Cyphoderus (Cyphoderidae) as a major component of collembolan cave fauna in Thailand, with description of two new species

Louis Deharveng,Sopark Jantarit,Chutamas Satasook

doi:10.3897/zookeys.368.6393

Abstract

Distinguishing features of Cyphoderus Collembola of the bidenticulati group are described. Taxonomic problems in the bidenticulati group of Cyphoderus are emphasized, and new characters of taxonomic value are introduced and discussed. Two new species are described from caves of Thailand, differing mainly in claw morphology.

Highlights

The species richness of Thai cave faunal communities are poorly known
Brates revealed that Collembola in the family Cyphoderidae were the dominant arthropods in non-oligotrophic habitats of the dark zone
In this paper we describe new morphological characters, beyond those introduced by Yoshii, and provide detailed descriptions that could serve as references for future taxonomic works

Summary

Introduction

The species richness of Thai cave faunal communities are poorly known. Most studies in Thailand have focused on low-energy cave habitats, and large regions of the country have seldom been sampled. The dens of cyphoderids is clearly reduced in length compared to that of all other Paronellidae sensu stricto and always bears characteristic feathered scales (more accurately termed feathered chaetae) consisting of a strong rachis with two symmetrical vanes made of long parallel barbs, a unique structure unknown from other Collembola On this basis alone, we believe that Cyphoderidae deserve family rather than subfamily status. Cyphoderus “bidenticulati-group” created by Delamare-Deboutteville (1948) and studied in this paper are recognized by their long, thin, and yellow mucro ending in two subequal small teeth This group includes a large number of forms described as species, several only known from a single location, and a few species given as widespread on the account of numerous literature records. The use of molecular taxonomy might be the easiest way to assess the status of populations

Materials and methods

Findings

Discussion