A Survey of the Brazilian Dicranocentrus Schött (Collembola, Orchesellidae, Heteromurini) with the Description of a New Species and Notes on the Genus

Abstract

Simple Summary

Springtails (Collembola) are microarthropods commonly found in terrestrial habitats, especially associated to the soil. Dicranocentrus Schött is one of the most representative genera of the family Orchesellidae Börner of springtails, with 69 described species in tropical regions of the world. Here we describe a new Brazilian species of the genus, especially using data on its chaetotaxy, the comparative study of the shape and the arrangement of body chaetae. We also use such data to compare and better understand the morphology of other species of the genus, and to better recognize them using comparative tables and identification keys.

Abstract

Dicranocentrus Schött is the most diverse and widespread taxon of Neotropical Orchesellidae. In Brazil, the genus is represented by 11 species found in humid forested areas of Atlantic and Amazon forests domains. Here we describe in detail Dicranocentrus abestado sp. nov. from Chapada Diamantina, Caatinga domain, Brazil. The new species belongs to the marias group sensu Mari-Mutt, due to the absence of most posterior macrochaetae on the dorsal head, and resembles other Neotropical species with 3, 2 and 2 central macrochaetae on abdominal segments I–III. However, the new species is unique especially by its reduced colour pattern combined with its empodial complex morphology. We compare Dicranocentrus abestado sp. nov. with 27 other taxa from the New and Old World, including all species with 3 macrochaetae on the first abdominal segment; provide notes and details on the morphology of the compared species plus identification keys to Brazilian and all species of the genus with similar abdominal chaetotaxy. We also discuss the current taxonomical knowledge on Brazilian Dicranocentrus and provide notes on its chaetotaxy and Heteromurinae systematics.