Abstract
Simple SummaryThe material for this study was obtained after intensive sampling in the colluvial mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS) of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park using 33 subterranean sampling devices (SSD). The data were obtained from the first extraction of the traps between May and October of 2015. This paper presents the results for a small part of the total Collembola captured (4.4% of the total for this sampling), namely, the Neelipleona and Symphypleona. Eleven species belonging to seven families were identified, two of which are new species. Based on the results of this study, and others previously published on Collembola of the MSS in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, the presence of epigeal and edaphic species is observed, which, in general, are not as abundant as the newly discovered species. The high abundance and extensive presence in the hypogean environment of most of the new species discovered are indicative that the MSS has a unique and distinct Collembola community.Megalothorax minimus (Neelidae) and Sphaeridia pumilis (Sminthurididae) had already been identified in surface sampling from Sierra de Guadarrama. In Europe, Sminthurinus gisini (Katiannidae) seems to be associated with environments at specific altitudes, and has little representation in this sampling. Pygmarrhopalites custodum Baquero and Jordana sp. nov. (Arrhopalitidae) coexists with two previously identified surface occurring species of the same family (P. elegans and Arrhopalites caecus). However, P. custodum is more abundant, indicating that it occupies an ecological niche tending to troglophile in the mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS). Moreover, it is also more abundant in the MSS of higher altitude corresponding to the bioclimatic zones cryo-oro-Mediterranean and oro-Mediterranean supra forest. Allacma cryptica Baquero and Jordana sp. nov. (Sminthuridae), is another species that had not been previously detected on the surface in the study area. A. cryptica is an addition to a genus which has eight described species. Gisinurus malatestai (Sminthuridae) appears well represented in the MSS, being a species present very occasionally in the Mediterranean area. Two species of the genera Sminthurides (Sminthurididae) and Fasciosminthurus (Bourletiellidae) have been found, but they could not have been identified to the species level. Finally, a few specimens of Dicyrtomina minuta (Dicyrtomidae), an abundant species on the surface, have been captured.
Highlights
We found that the faunal group contributing the greatest number of species and specimens was Collembola
In previous papers [2,3,4] we described the populations of the genus Orchesella and of the taxa Poduromorpha and Entomobryomorpha
Neelipleona and Symphypleona accounted for 4.4% of the Collembola captured in the traps (1860 specimens) in the total number of samples used to obtain data for this study
Summary
Intensive studies on the mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS) were lacking. Environmental conditions in MSS are similar to those of caves, but have a much creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). More intense dependence on the ground and surface features. Caves and crevices form by either dissolution or fracture. Animals can be adapted and inhabit these systems, or move through the crevices and reach deep dwelling spaces. Gypsum areas offer similar opportunities to its own specific fauna [1]. Deep crevices or large cavities are generally absent in the granitic medium. Rocks broken and dislodged by surface weathering fall down and roll by gravity, coming to a rest along scree slopes or eventually accumulating in ravines and depressions, forming the MSS
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
