Cryptopygus

V. Willem, 1901

Species Guides

1

Cryptopygus is a of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) with a distribution spanning polar, temperate, and tropical regions. The genus includes Antarctic endemics such as C. terranovus, a relict that survived the Last Glacial Maximum on the Antarctic continent, as well as species from seashores, , and terrestrial . At least 29 species are recognized in the Americas. Some species exhibit specialized ecological associations, including an undescribed Mexican species found in association with the hermit crab Coenobita clypeatus.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cryptopygus: /ˌkrɪptoʊˈpaɪɡəs/

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Habitat

include Antarctic terrestrial environments, seashores and sandy , and moist terrestrial substrates. C. clavatus occupies a distinctive littoral , spending summers submerged in water grazing on and winters on dry land. A Mexican of the Cryptopygus complex has been documented from seashores of Quintana Roo State in association with hermit crabs.

Distribution

Antarctica (Victoria Land, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctic Peninsula region); Arctic and Subarctic; Andean region; Caribbean mainland and Antillean region including southern Florida; Mexico (Quintana Roo State). Distribution records indicate broad geographic range from polar to tropical latitudes.

Diet

C. clavatus has been observed grazing on during summer submersion periods. Diet for other in the is not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Coenobita clypeatus - associatedA Mexican of the Cryptopygus complex has been documented in association with this hermit crab species on seashores. The nature of the association (commensal, parasitic, or incidental) is not specified in available sources.

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