Folsomides

Stach, 1922

Species Guides

1

Folsomides is a of springtails (Collembola) in the Isotomidae, established by Stach in 1922. The genus has been redefined based on consistent morphological characters including the position and distribution of tergal macrosensilla, chaetotaxy of the mouth region, tibiotarsi, tube, and furca. It contains numerous , particularly from the Canary Islands, Europe, and North Africa, with at least one species (F. deserticola) documented from arid Australian soils. Species-level identification relies heavily on maxillary palp structure, tibiotarsal chaetotaxy, and distribution of tergal microsensilla.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Folsomides: //fɔlˈsoʊmaɪdiːz//

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Identification

Folsomides are distinguished from related isotomids by: position and distribution of tergal macrosensilla; chaetotaxy of the mouth region; tibiotarsal chaetotaxy; tube and furca chaetotaxy; and maxillary palp structure. The distribution of tergal microsensilla provides highly discriminate characters for species-level identification. Several species previously assigned to Folsomides have been removed to other , notably to Subisotoma, which was elevated to generic rank.

Habitat

Arid and semiarid soils; at least one (F. deserticola) has been documented from such in Southern Australia. The shows broad geographic representation including the Canary Islands, suggesting for dry, insular environments.

Distribution

Canary Islands (with 18 described ), Europe, North Africa, Southern Australia (F. deserticola). GBIF records indicate additional presence in: African Indian Desert, Amazon, Andean, Antillean & S. Florida, and Arctic & Sub-arctic regions.

Similar Taxa

  • SubisotomaPreviously treated as a subgenus of Folsomides but elevated to generic rank; removed from Folsomides to this can be distinguished by the redefined diagnostic characters of Folsomides

More Details

Taxonomic revision

The underwent substantial revision, with a narrow redefinition based on limited consistent morphological characters. Eighteen new were described from the Canary Islands in a single revisionary work.

Species diversity hotspots

The Canary Islands represent a major center of diversity for this , with 18 described indicating either adaptive radiation or cryptic diversity in this insular system.

Sources and further reading