Megalothorax

Willem, V, 1900

Megalothorax is a of minute in the , . The genus comprises approximately 14 described . Members are characterized by extremely small body size and globular typical of neelid springtails. The mitochondrial of M. incertus has been sequenced, revealing parthenogenetic and endosymbiont .

Habitat

Megalothorax incertus has been collected from urban park environments in Shanghai, China, and maintained in laboratory culture. The broader shows distribution records spanning diverse including Amazon, Andean, Antarctic and Subantarctic, Antillean and southern Florida, and and Sub-arctic regions.

Distribution

Documented from Shanghai, China (31°18'N, 121°47'E) for M. incertus. GBIF distribution records indicate presence across Amazon, Andean, Antarctic and Subantarctic, Antillean and southern Florida, and and Sub-arctic regions.

Host Associations

  • Wolbachia - endosymbiont detected in M. incertus; confirmed through molecular analysis

More Details

Reproduction

has been directly observed in M. incertus, with confirmed from single unfertilized females in laboratory culture.

Phylogenetic significance

M. incertus represents the first complete mitochondrial reported from the . Phylogenetic analysis suggests is to remaining and does not support a sister relationship between Neelipleona and .

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Sources and further reading