Deuterosminthurus

Börner, 1901

Species Guides

Deuterosminthurus is a of springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) in the Bourletiellidae, established by Börner in 1901. The genus contains approximately 30 described distributed across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. At least one species, Deuterosminthurus bicinctus, has been the subject of detailed behavioral studies documenting complex mating rituals. Some species are associated with specific plants, including documented associations with Genista hispanica.

Deuterosminthurus nonfasciatus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Yann Kemper. Used under a CC0 license.

Deuterosminthurus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Deuterosminthurus: //ˌdjuːtəroʊsmɪnˈθjʊərəs//

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Habitat

have been documented on leaves of plants, specifically Genista hispanica for D. bisetosus. The as a whole likely occupies vegetation-associated microhabitats typical of Bourletiellidae.

Distribution

Recorded from the Iberian Peninsula, Andean region, Antilles and southern Florida, Caribbean mainland, central Australia, and continental Southeast Asia. Individual show more restricted ranges; for example, D. bisetosus is known from distant localities across the Iberian Peninsula, while D. ezoensis occurs in Japan and D. okinawanus in Okinawa.

Host Associations

Genista hispanica L. - plant Documented for D. bisetosus; found living on this plant for three consecutive years
Polydiscia deuterosminthurus - Larval instars of this prostigmatid mite attach to D. bisetosus

Behavior

In Deuterosminthurus bicinctus, males perform elaborate ritualized courtship involving: preliminary courtship of variable duration; a push-and-retreat -to-head ritual with approximately 180 rhythmic phases; male free turns; deposition; and stimulation of females to walk over spermatophores for pickup with the . Females consume spermatophores in approximately 29% of observed pairs. Post-mating competition for spermatophore residuals occurs, usually won by females. Males use , legs, or heads to monopolize, stimulate, and direct females. No morphological differences have been found between successful and unsuccessful males; female motivation appears crucial for mating success.

More Details

Species diversity

The contains at least 30 described , with new species continuing to be described (e.g., D. bisetosus described 2003, D. serratus described 2005). Species epithets suggest color pattern variation (bicinctus, caeruleacaudus, luridus, maculatus, pallipes, russatus, sulphureus).