Neelidae

Definition

A family of minute, globular springtails (Collembola) in the order Neelipleona, characterized by reduced body segmentation, short legs, and a rounded, almost spherical habitus. Members are among the smallest Collembola, typically under 1 mm, and inhabit soil pores, leaf litter, and moss where they feed on fungal hyphae and decaying organic matter. The family contains at least four genera and more than 30 described species, with many more likely undescribed due to their cryptic lifestyle and minute size.

Etymology

From the genus Neelus (type genus) + -idae (family suffix); named by Folsom, 1896.

Example

Neelus murinus, a widespread Holarctic species, is often recovered in Tullgren funnel extractions of coniferous forest litter and serves as an indicator of stable, mature soil microhabitats.

Related Terms

• Collembola
• Neelipleona
• springtail
• edaphic fauna
• soil microarthropod
• Tullgren funnel
• globular springtail

Usage Notes

Distinguished from other Collembola families by their highly compact, neotenic body form with reduced furca and eyes; often confused with immature stages of other springtails in field samples. The order Neelipleona was historically treated as a suborder of Poduromorpha but is now widely recognized as a distinct order based on molecular and morphological data. Specialist literature may use 'neelid' as an informal adjective or noun for members of this family.