Metisotoma
Maynard, 1951
Metisotoma is a of in the . The genus includes at least four described , with Metisotoma grandiceps recognized as the only veritable among . Species occur primarily in , subarctic, and montane tundra across the Holarctic region. The genus was established by Maynard in 1951.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Metisotoma: /mɛtɪsəˈtoʊmə/
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Identification
Diagnostic characters include structure, number of s-, macrochaetotaxy, and of the body. These features separate Metisotoma from each other and from other isotomid .
Images
Habitat
and subarctic tundra; mountain tundra zones. Collections documented from tundra in Taimyr, Siberia, Far East, Altai Mountains, and Magadan Region.
Distribution
Holarctic distribution: Taimyr Peninsula ( locality for M. grandiceps), Siberia, Russian Far East, Altai Mountains, Magadan Region, Canada, and Japan.
Diet
Predatory (). Metisotoma grandiceps is explicitly described as the only veritable among .
Behavior
has been observed in laboratory conditions. Specific behavioral details beyond this observation are not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Isotomidae generaMetisotoma is distinguished by its elongate body form and predatory ; most isotomid are or fungivores rather than .
More Details
Taxonomic revision
A 2018 revision (Zootaxa 4399) described two new from the Altai Mountains and Magadan Region: M. stebaevae and M. bermani. This study also redescribed M. grandiceps, M. macnamarai (Canada), and M. ursi (Japan).