Hypogastrura harveyi
This record describes Hypogastrura harveyi (species). Recorded family: Hypogastruridae. Recorded order: Poduromorpha.
Identification and Appearance
1+1 setae on the 'area verticalis' of the head • long anal spines • long setae on posterior margin of abdominal segments 4 & 5 • long antennae, a bit longer then the head diagonal • knobbed basal antennal segments, followed by 2 tubular antennal segments. ―Frans Janssens Very cold resistant. Found on snow. The antifreeze protein has been synthesized. It is rich in glycine.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Collembola
- Order
- Poduromorpha
- Family
- Hypogastruridae
- Genus
- Hypogastrura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Nearctic
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Microorganisms and fungi in surface film
About Poduromorpha: the wider group
Order-level background for Poduromorpha, the group containing Hypogastrura harveyi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Poduromorpha is an order of elongated springtails with ~3,400 described species. Many species are among the few arthropods found in extreme environments - they inhabit Antarctic ice, deep caves, and high-altitude snowfields.
Ecological role of the group
Poduromorphan springtails are important decomposers in soil surface layers. Some cave-dwelling species are completely depigmented and eyeless, having adapted to total darkness over millions of years. They are key food sources for ground beetles and spiders.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Snow fleas (Hypogastrura nivicola) contain antifreeze proteins being researched for medical applications including organ preservation and ice cream manufacturing to prevent ice crystal formation.
Recorded sources for this group: Collembola research, cryobiology, cave biology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Hypogastrura harveyi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Vox Sciurorum , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypogastrura harveyi
What is Hypogastrura harveyi?
Hypogastrura harveyi is a species in the family Hypogastruridae, within the order Poduromorpha.
How do you identify Hypogastrura harveyi?
1+1 setae on the 'area verticalis' of the head • long anal spines • long setae on posterior margin of abdominal segments 4 & 5 • long antennae, a bit longer then the head diagonal • knobbed basal antennal segments, followed by 2 tubular antennal segments. ―Frans Janssens
Where is Hypogastrura harveyi found?
Range: Nearctic
What does Hypogastrura harveyi eat?
The diet of the Hypogastrura harveyi includes Microorganisms and fungi in surface film.