Basal-phylogeny
Guides
Neelidae
Neelidae is a family of minute springtails in the order Neelipleona, comprising at least four genera and more than 30 described species. Members average around 500 μm in length and possess globular bodies superficially resembling those of Symphypleona, with relatively long legs and a well-developed furca. Molecular phylogenetic data places Neelidae as a basal group to all other Collembola, despite earlier morphological hypotheses linking them closely to Symphypleona. The family has worldwide distribution with records from Gondwanan regions, caves, and various terrestrial habitats.