Neanurini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neanurini: //niːˌæn.jʊˈraɪnaɪ//

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Summary

Neanurini are a tribe of stout-bodied, short-legged springtails that are unable to jump due to their vestigial furcula. They play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Stout-bodied with short legs and a vestigial furcula, making them unable to jump. They lack anal thorns and possess primitive ocelli.

Identification Tips

Look for their stubby appearance and absence of jumping ability due to the vestigial furcula.

Habitat

Found in various terrestrial habitats, often in soil or leaf litter.

Distribution

Global distribution with approximately 230 species recognized across 26 genera.

Diet

Detritivores and microbivores, feeding on decaying organic matter and microorganisms in soil.

Life Cycle

Undergo a simple life cycle typical of springtails, including egg, juvenile, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Reproduction is typically sexual, but some species may exhibit parthenogenesis.

Predators

Predation by soil-dwelling invertebrates and other small animals that consume springtails.

Ecosystem Role

Play a crucial role in soil ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling.

Collecting Methods

• Soil sampling
• Leaf litter extraction
• Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Dry preservation

Evolution

The subfamily was established by Carl Börner in 1901 from the splitting of taxa, initially thought to be closely related to insects.

Similar Taxa

• Deutonura
• Edoughnura
• Endonura
• Neanura
• Protanura
• Morulodini

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for insects, but are more closely related to other hexapods that are not classified as true insects.

Tags

• Collembola
• Neanurini
• springtails
• soil fauna