Arrhopalites caecus
(Tullberg, 1871)
globular springtail
Arrhopalites caecus is a parthenogenetic globular springtail in the Arrhopalitidae. It is one of the few characterized for standardized soil ecotoxicity testing, with established laboratory culture protocols. The species occupies diverse ranging from cave systems to forest leaf litter and has a broad global distribution. Its sensitivity to neonicotinoid has been quantified, though it presents culturing challenges including susceptibility to mite .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Arrhopalites caecus: /əˈroʊpəlaɪts ˈsiːkəs/
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Identification
Globular body form typical of Symphypleona (spherical or rounded profile, distinct from elongated Isotomidae such as Folsomia candida). Parthenogenetic eliminates as a diagnostic feature. Specific morphological diagnostic characters for field identification are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Forest leaf litter; cave systems. Laboratory cultures maintained in agricultural soil for testing.
Distribution
Global distribution with records from Europe, Arctic and Sub-arctic regions, Central Australia, Hawaiian Islands, and Pico (Azores).
Life Cycle
Development from to has been characterized under laboratory conditions for ecotoxicity testing purposes. production is a measured endpoint in 28-day assays. Specific developmental stages and duration are not detailed in available sources.
Human Relevance
Candidate test organism for soil ecotoxicity assessment. Established laboratory sensitivity data: 7-day LC50 for thiamethoxam in soil = 0.129 mg/kg dry weight; 14-day LC50 = 0.010 mg/kg dry weight; 14-day dietary LC50 = 0.307 mg/kg dry weight; 28-day EC50 for production inhibition from cyantraniliprole = 0.055 mg/kg dry weight. Culturing challenges include mite susceptibility and low survival in extended tests.
Similar Taxa
- Folsomia candidaAlso used in soil ecotoxicity testing but belongs to Isotomidae with elongated body form versus globular shape of Arrhopalites; F. candida is globally widespread and well-established in testing protocols while A. caecus remains underutilized.