Work

New Folsomotoma species (Collembola) found on Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Here we describe a new springtail species found on Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island. The new species, Folsomotoma punctata, is known from sub-Antarctic South Georgia, but this is a first occurrence of this species for the South Shetland Islands and the Maritime Antarctic, increasing the total species number to 15. Considering the widespread distribution of F. punctata across Byers Peninsula, it seems most likely that this species has been present for a long time. That it was only now reported reflects the limited arthropod surveys conducted in this region of the South Shetland Islands, and highlights the need for more thorough and high spatial resolution systematic surveys across different vegetation and habitats to better understand the terrestrial biodiversity patterns in Antarctica.

Source: Antarctic Science

DOI: 10.1017/s0954102025100539

Authors: Stef Bokhorst, Janine Marien, Peter Convey

Institutions: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Natural Environment Research Council, University of Johannesburg, University of Birmingham

Language: English

Topic: Collembola Taxonomy and Ecology Studies

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550

Funders: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, British Antarctic Survey