Troglobiotic
Guides
Neelipleona
Neelipleona is an order of minute hexapods within the class Collembola (springtails). Members are characterized by the complete absence of eyes, a trait distinguishing them from most other springtail groups. The group is primarily represented by the family Neelidae and includes genera such as Megalothorax and Spinaethorax. Many species exhibit troglomorphic adaptations, including elongated appendages and reduced pigmentation, associated with cave-dwelling habits. The taxonomic rank of Neelipleona remains debated, with some authorities treating it as a suborder of Symphypleona or placing it within Entomobryomorpha.
Neelus
Neelus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neelidae, established by Folsom in 1896. The genus contains both surface-dwelling and troglobiotic (cave-restricted) species. Several species exhibit troglomorphic adaptations including elongated unguis (claws), larger body size, and elongated antennal sensilla. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and Asia, with notable cave-dwelling diversity in the Balkans.