Morulodes ambiguus
This record describes Morulodes ambiguus (species). Recorded family: Neanuridae. Recorded order: Poduromorpha.
Identification and Appearance
Note on abd.4 that the dorso-internal tubercles are fused. Which is typical in ambiguus. In its close relatives serratus and setosus the dorso-internal tubercles are not fused. (as per comment from Frans Janssens here )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Collembola
- Order
- Poduromorpha
- Superfamily
- Neanuroidea
- Family
- Neanuridae
- Subfamily
- Neanurinae
- Tribe
- Morulodini
- Genus
- Morulodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Poduromorpha: the wider group
Order-level background for Poduromorpha, the group containing Morulodes ambiguus. 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 Morulodes ambiguus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Harsi S. Parker