Neanuridae and Hypogastruridae
As far as I am currently aware, the two Poduromorpha springtail families Neanuridae and Hypogastruridae cannot easily be distinguished from one another based on field photography alone. Rather, details only visible through microscopic analysis are needed.
It is notable that this assertion differs with that made by Dallimore and Shaw's (2013) 'Illustrated key to the families of British Springtails (Collembola). According to that key, the distinction can be made based on the distinctiveness of the head from the thorax. In Neanuridae, it is argued, the head is indistinct, whereas in the other UK Poduromorpha families (Odontellidae, Poduridae, Onychiuridae, Tullbergiidae and Hypogastruridae), the head is notably distinct.
I am inclined to disagree with Dallimore and Shaw's key here because the 'distinctiveness' of the head from the thorax varies considerably along a gradient from 'clearly distinct' to 'clearly indistinct' – it is not a clear-cut matter. Furthermore, not only does distinctiveness appear to differ from species to species within the two families, it is also likely that distinctiveness can vary between individuals within a species (i.e. intra-specific morphological variation), and even over time for a single individual (based on environmental conditions, whether the springtail is feeding, resting, etc.).
See discussion on these observations for original thoughts:
Comments
Add a Comment