Collembola from the Gypsum Karst of Sorbas (Almería, Spain), with Descriptions of Three New Species
The gypsum karst of Sorbas (Almería, Spain) is home to a diverse community of Collembola. Over seven years of sampling, 7875 specimens were collected from 83 cave visits, representing four orders: Symphypleona (5251 specimens), Entomobryomorpha (2552), Poduromorpha (32), and Neelipleona (29). A tota...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Insects |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/3/309 |
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| Summary: | The gypsum karst of Sorbas (Almería, Spain) is home to a diverse community of Collembola. Over seven years of sampling, 7875 specimens were collected from 83 cave visits, representing four orders: Symphypleona (5251 specimens), Entomobryomorpha (2552), Poduromorpha (32), and Neelipleona (29). A total of 25 species were identified. The most abundant are listed in descending order of abundance: <i>Pygmarrhopalites ruizporteroae</i> sp. nov., <i>Pseudosinella najtae</i>, <i>Pygmarrhopalites subbifidus</i>, <i>Troglopedetes machadoi</i>, <i>Pseudosinella sexocellata</i> sp. nov., <i>Pygmarrhopalites torresi</i> sp. nov., and <i>Heteromurus major</i>. Additionally, partial redescriptions of <i>Pseudosinella najtae</i> and <i>Troglopedetes machadoi</i> are provided. This research enhances the taxonomic framework of subterranean Collembola and provides new insights into species differentiation and adaptation. The methodologies applied allow for high-resolution morphological characterization, essential for species delimitation. The results highlight the potential for further discoveries in gypsum caves and emphasize the need for advanced imaging techniques in Collembola taxonomy. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4450 |