The genus Megalothorax Willem, 1900 is redefined along with a redescription of the type species M. minimus Willem, 1900 and the description of five new species (M. granulosus, sp. nov., M. nigropunctatus, sp. nov., M. perspicillum, sp. nov., M. svalbardensis, sp. nov. and M. willemi, sp. nov.). We describe and comment on broad sets of discriminating characters for Megalothorax systematics. For the first time, trichobothria are recorded for Neelipleona, probably of generic importance. The described species are provided with DNA data (COI, 16S and 28S) and included in a molecular-based phylogenetic analysis. The traditional distinction between minimus-group and incertus-group is discussed in the light of DNA and morphology components. A key to the worldwide Megalothorax species is provided.

Background Genome sequencing of all known eukaryotes on Earth promises unprecedented advances in biological sciences and in biodiversity-related applied fields such as environmental management and natural product research. Advances in long-read DNA sequencing make it feasible to generate high-quality genomes for many non–genetic model species. However, long-read sequencing today relies on sizable quantities of high-quality, high molecular weight DNA, which is mostly obtained from fresh tissues. This is a challenge for biodiversity genomics of most metazoan species, which are tiny and need to be preserved immediately after collection. Here we present de novo genomes of 2 species of submillimeter Collembola. For each, we prepared the sequencing library from high molecular weight DNA extracted from a single specimen and using a novel ultra-low input protocol from Pacific Biosciences. This protocol requires a DNA input of only 5 ng, permitted by a whole-genome amplification step. Results The 2 assembled genomes have N50 values >5.5 and 8.5 Mb, respectively, and both contain ∼96% of BUSCO genes. Thus, they are highly contiguous and complete. The genomes are supported by an integrative taxonomy approach including placement in a genome-based phylogeny of Collembola and designation of a neotype for 1 of the species. Higher heterozygosity values are recorded in the more mobile species. Both species are devoid of the biosynthetic pathway for β-lactam antibiotics known in several Collembola, confirming the tight correlation of antibiotic synthesis with the species way of life. Conclusions It is now possible to generate high-quality genomes from single specimens of minute, field-preserved metazoans, exceeding the minimum contig N50 (1 Mb) required by the Earth BioGenome Project.

This work proposes a comprehensive review of the morphological features of the Neelipleona, with focus on chaetotaxy. The major contributions to the knowledge of Neelipleona are discussed and new data are presented, acquired from the redescription of Neelides folsomi, Acanthoneelidus pratensis and Neelus murinus. New elements of description are given for Neelus fimbriatus, Megalothorax granulosus, Megalothorax minimus, Megalothorax nigropunctatus, Megalothorax svalbardensis. Juvenile morphology is also taken in consideration with the description of the early instar of Neelides folsomi, Neelus murinus, Megalothorax minimus and Megalothorax nigropunctatus. A nomenclatural framework is proposed to illustrate the descriptions and the hypotheses of homology debated in the paper. Comparative tables are provided to summarize the morphological variations observed in the order. An identification key to the genera is also provided. A set of intriguing and unique characteristics of the Neelipleona were discovered or enlighten such as labral morphology, vibrating antennae in the genus Neelus, special chaetae associated to the secretion of wax rods and pattern of special τ-chaetae.Printed copy of this book is available from US$30.8 plus postage, Click here to order.

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The species Acerentulus rapoportiCondé, 1963 is redescribed, transferred to genus AndinentulusTuxen, 1984, and synonymized with Andinentulus ebbeiTuxen, 1984 on the basis of type series. Andinentulus rapoporti (Condé, 1963) comb. nov. is characterized by very long and sword-shaped foretarsal sensillum a' sensillum b that is half the length of sensillum c, presence of additional seta d6 on the head, absence of seta P1a on abdominal tergites I–VI, and short oblong accessory setae on tergites I–VI. The differences between the genus Andinentulus and morphologically similar genera, which have three setae on the abdominal legs, are discussed. A key to South and Central American Acerentomidae species and their distribution in America is provided. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequence (barcode) is provided for several specimens of the species and compared with other proturan barcodes with a phylogenetic analysis.

Here we introduce the Soil BON Foodweb Team, a cross-continental collaborative network that aims to monitor soil animal communities and food webs using consistent methodology at a global scale. Soil animals support vital soil processes via soil structure modification, direct consumption of dead organic matter, and interactions with microbial and plant communities. Soil animal effects on ecosystem functions have been demonstrated by correlative analyses as well as in laboratory and field experiments, but these studies typically focus on selected animal groups or species at one or few sites with limited variation in environmental conditions. The lack of comprehensive harmonised large-scale soil animal community data including microfauna, mesofauna, and macrofauna, in conjunction with related soil functions, limits our understanding of biological interactions in soil communities and how these interactions affect ecosystem functioning. To provide such data, the Soil BON Foodweb Team invites researchers worldwide to use a common methodology to address six long-term goals: (1) to collect globally representative harmonised data on soil micro-, meso-, and macrofauna communities; (2) to describe key environmental drivers of soil animal communities and food webs; (3) to assess the efficiency of conservation approaches for the protection of soil animal communities; (4) to describe soil food webs and their association with soil functioning globally; (5) to establish a global research network for soil biodiversity monitoring and collaborative projects in related topics; (6) to reinforce local collaboration networks and expertise and support capacity building for soil animal research around the world. In this paper, we describe the vision of the global research network and the common sampling protocol to assess soil animal communities and advocate for the use of standard methodologies across observational and experimental soil animal studies. We will use this protocol to conduct soil animal assessments and reconstruct soil food webs on the sites included in the global soil biodiversity monitoring network, Soil BON, allowing us to assess linkages among soil biodiversity, vegetation, soil physico-chemical properties, and ecosystem functions. In the present paper, we call for researchers especially from countries and ecoregions that remain underrepresented in the majority of soil biodiversity assessments to join us. Together we will be able to provide science-based evidence to support soil biodiversity conservation and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.

Two new Megalothorax species, Megalothorax potapovi sp. n. from the Russian Far East and Megalothorax sanguineus sp. n. from the French Pyrénées are described. The two new species have a set of morphological characters (including a smooth mucro) that places them among the minimus group sensu Schneider and D’Haese (2013). Megalothorax potapovi characteristics include dorsal protuberance on forehead, peculiar chaetotaxy of antenna III and strong lanceolate chaetae on body. Megalothorax sanguineus characteristics include strong red pigmentation, large network of integumentary channels on head and elongated apex of the two postero-distal spines of dens. The DNA barcodes (COIcytochrome oxidase subunit I–) of the two species are also provided and analyzed among a broader sampling of the genus in order to support further their specific status. A special focus is given to the labral morphological characteristics. Pseudopores-like elements are reported for the first time in the genus. Positions of the τ-chaetae near the dorsal sensory field of thorax II are compared for several species of the genus.

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