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Research Article
Subdivision of the tribe Oligaphorurini in the light of new and lesser known species from North-East Russia (Collembola, Onychiuridae, Onychiurinae)
expand article infoAnatoly B. Babenko‡, Arne Fjellberg§
‡ Instutute of Ecology & Evolution RAS, Moscow, Russia
§ Unaffiliated, Tjome, Norway

Corresponding author: Anatoly B. Babenko ( lsdc@mail.ru )

Academic editor: Louis Deharveng
© 2015 Anatoly B. Babenko, Arne Fjellberg.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation: Babenko AB, Fjellberg A (2015) Subdivision of the tribe Oligaphorurini in the light of new and lesser known species from North-East Russia (Collembola, Onychiuridae, Onychiurinae). ZooKeys 488: 47-75. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.488.8123
ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:222F80DD-F7A3-444B-8A2A-7A25A6454FE8
Open Access

Abstract

The paper is devoted to a taxonomic review of Oligaphorurini from the north-eastern part of Palaearctic. Two new species, i.e. Oligaphorura ambigua sp. n. and O. duocellata sp. n., are described. Four species, O. nataliae (Fjellberg, 1987), O. interrupta (Fjellberg, 1987), O. pingicola (Fjellberg, 1987), and Micraphorura alnus (Fjellberg, 1987), are redescribed on base of the types and new material, and remarks on other species known for the region, O. groenlandica (Tullberg, 1876), O. ursi (Fjellberg, 1984), O. aborigensis (Fjellberg, 1987), and M. absoloni (Börner, 1901), are given to clarify their generic affiliation. Finally, merits and disadvantages of the current subdivision of the tribe are discussed and a key to the northern species of the tribe is provided.

Keywords

Taxonomy, new species, Oligaphorurini , north-eastern Asia

Introduction

Two undescribed species of the tribe Oligaphorurini from the upper reaches of Kolyma River (North-East Russia, Magadan region) do not fit the current generic subdivision of the tribe, which is mainly based on revisions made by Pomorski (1996) and Weiner (1996). Other east Palaearctic species, described by one of the authors (A. Fjellberg) from the same region, also need a critical review to fix their generic affiliation. Below, the new species are described, others are redescribed in more detail, and finally the current generic subdivision of the tribeis critically analyzed.

The current subdivision of Oligaphorurini

Bagnall (1949) was the first author to recognize Oligaphorurinae (as a subfamily of Onychiuridae). He split it into four genera: Archaphorura, Micraphorura, Oligaphorura and Dimorphaphorura based on five species only, the sixth species, described in the same paper, is now considered as a synonym. Since then many other species have been established, often in shifting generic associations. At present, according to the database of Collembola of the World (Bellinger et al. 1996–2014) approximately 50 species of the tribe are known. Using different approaches Weiner (1996) and Pomorski (1996) retained the four original genera described by Bagnall. One new genus, Chribellphorura, was established by Weiner (1996) for Onychiurus allanae Christiansen & Bellinger, 1980, displaying a unique set of characters. However, this generic framework bears internal contradictions and does not cope with the known morphodiversity of the species. Both Pomorski and Weiner (op. cit.) based their diagnoses on the gradual reduction of the furcal field on the sternum of the fourth abdominal segment. Pomorski examined the first instar juveniles, while Weiner used adults. Both authors studied a rather limited set of mainly European species. Table 1 summarizes the diagnostic characters separating the genera and which species were involved.

Recently Shvejonkova and Potapov (2011) described three new species of Oligaphorurini which did not possess anal spines, a feature which was characteristic only to the genus Archaphorura. Nevertheless the species were assigned to the genera Oligaphorura and Micraphorura, an action which brings the above diagnostic scheme to a state of collapse. However, the cited authors did not establish the synonyms which would have been a natural consequence.

Table 1.
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Main diagnostic characters used for genus separation in Oligaphorurini.

Chribellphorura Archaphorura Micraphorura Oligaphorura Dimorphaphorura
Weiner (1996) Apical vesicle on Ant.4 present absent
Tibiotarsal setae clavate pointed
Anal spines present absent present
Furcal rudiment finely granulated area small pocket or finely granulated area finely granulated area, sometimes with a kind of pocket cuticular fold or deep pocket finely granulated area
Dental setae four in line four in two rows two in line four in two rows four in line
Manubrial setae one row two rows two rows two (seldom one) rows one row
Unpaired setae on Abd.6 p 0 m 0 p0 or a0 and p0 a0 and p0 a0 and p0
Species involved allanae serratotuberculata and some species that have not yet been described absoloni, pieninensis groenlandica, montana, uralica, judithae, koreana, linderae differens
Pomorski (1996) Anal spines absent present
Setae on area furcalis 2+2 setulae + 2+2 setae 1+1 setulae + 1+1 setae 2+2 setulae + 2+2 setae
Species involved serratotuberculata absoloni, pieninensis groenlandica, judithae
Shvejonkova and Potapov (2011) AO in subapical position normal “So far the independence of Dimorphaphorura calls for further ground”
Anal spines absent present or (rarely) absent
Distal tibiotarsal setae 11 11 or fewer
Furcal rudiment cuticular furrow or finely granulated area
Dental setae two or four in one row four in two rows
Manubrial setae number of rows varied
Abd.5–6 fused separated
Weiner and Kaprus’ (2014) Anal spines present present or absent
Distal tibiotarsal setae 11 11 5–11
Furcal rudiment cuticular furrow cuticular fold finely granulated area
Dental setae 1+1 2+2 absent
ma setae 2 (at a level with dental setae) 2 (at a level with posterior row of dental setae) 2–4
mm setae 4–6 3–6 2
mp setae 4–5 4–7 4–6

In 2014 a complete revision of the genus Dimorphaphorura has been undertaken (Weiner and Kaprus’ 2014). The authors of this revision described six new Palaearctic species of the genus, redescribed and clarified generic affiliation of a number of other known species, and defined diagnostic characteristics of the revised genus. According to the diagnosis provided, it differs from other genera of the tribe in the organization of the furcal area (see Table 1). As a result the majority of Palaearctic species previously treated as Micraphorura have been transferred to Dimorphaphorura. The two new species described below introduce further chaos in the existing generic system.

Abbreviations

A, AB, AC and ABC – four types of labium in Onychiuridae in accordance with the presence of thickened and blunt-tipped setae on corresponding labial papillae (Fjellberg 1999)

ABD – the fifth type of labium in Onychiuridae (Shvejonkova and Potapov 2011)

Abd.1-6 – abdominal segments

A-B, T-setae, setae M and Y – tibiotarsal setae (Deharveng 1983)

Ant.1-4 – antennal subsegments

AO – antennal organ on Ant.3

a0, m0, and p0 – unpaired axial setae on terga

CNC – Canadian National Collection (Ottawa)

d0 – unpaired axial seta on area frontalis of the head

ma-, mm- and mp- row – anterior, medial and posterior rows of setae on manubrial field (Weiner 1996)

ms – microsensillum

MSPU – Moscow State Pedagogical University

PAO – postantennal organ

pso – pseudocellus(i)

psx – parapseudocellus(i)

q-setae – proximal setae on furcal field of Onychiuridae (Pomorski 1996)

Th.1-3 – tergal segments

Description of new species

Oligaphorura ambigua sp. n.

http://zoobank.org/36FF3284-F55E-4F97-B85C-210D66A3CBC6
Figs 1–2, 3–9, 29–30

Material

Holotype ♂, Russia, Magadan District, upper reaches of Kolyma River, Bolshoi Annachag Mt. Range, field station “Aborigen” [61°56'N, 149°40'E], mountains above station, rather dry moss/lichen in rock crevices, 1600 m alt., 23 vii 1979, A. Fjellberg leg. (MSPU).

Paratypes 6♂, 5 ♀, and 4 juveniles, same data as holotype (MSPU); 1♂, 2 ♀, and 1 juveniles, same data but moss, lichens on rock, 1650 m alt., 23 vii 1979, A. Fjellberg leg. (MSPU).

Description

Colour white. Size of adults 0.73–0.92 mm. Body slender and elongated, Abd.3-4 clearly widened, Abd.6 short and hardly visible in dorsal view (Fig. 1), anal spines not developed (Fig. 3). Antennae about as long as head, Ant.4 not wider than Ant.3 (Fig. 5). Ant.4 with spherical subapical organite surrounded by cuticular papillae (Fig. 6), basal microsensillum present on level with proximal whorl of setae (Fig. 5). AO consisting of 4 finger-like papillae, 2 sensory rods, 2 smooth sensory clubs clearly differing in shape (Fig. 7), 5 guard setae and a lateral microsensillum (Fig. 5). Ant.1 and 2 with (8)9 and 14-15 setae respectively. PAO smaller than nearest pso, usually with 3 subequal lobes (Fig. 8). Labrum with 7 setae and 4 prelabral ones. Apical part of labium with thick terminal setae on papillae A, B and C (ABC-type), 7 long and 4 spiniform guard setae, and 6 proximal setae (Fig. 4). Basal fields of labium (mentum and submentum) with 4 and 5 setae, hypostomal complex of usual shape. Maxillary palp simple, with 2 sublobal setae.

Figures 1–2. 

Oligaphorura ambigua sp. n. Chaetotaxy and pso position. 1 dorsal view 2 ventral view. Scale bar: 0.1 mm.

Figures 3–9. 

Oligaphorura ambigua sp. n. 3 abdominal tip 4 labium 5 antennae 6 antennal tip with subapical organite 7 sensorial elements of AO8PAO and nearest pso9Ti.3. Scale bars: 3, 5 = 0.05 mm; 4, 6–9 = 0.01 mm.

Pseudocellar formulas (pso) as follows, dorsal: 42/133/33354, ventral: 11/000/1111, parapseudocelli (psx) invisible. Each upper subcoxa with two pso, dorsal and ventral. Localization of pso as in Figs 1–2. Granulation fine and uniform, without areas of enlarged granules. Dorsal chaetotaxy more or less symmetrical, with frequent variations even in axial parts of terga. Setae smooth and clearly differentiated, especially on abdominal tip: meso- and macrosetae straight, thick and blunt, microsetae curved and pointed, sensory setae indistinct (Fig. 1). Th.1 with 6+6 setae. Lateral ms present only on Th.2. All terga from Th.2 to Abd.3 with 3+3 axial microsetae as a rule. Unpaired dorsal seta d0 on head absent, Abd.4-5 usually with mesosetae p0, Abd.6 dorsally with 1-2 axial macrosetae. Thoracic sterna of Th.2-3 with 1+1 setae along ventral line, rarely absent on one or both sterna, ventral chaetotaxy of abdomen as in Fig. 2. Furca reduced to a small area of fine granulation situated at contact with borders of Abd.3-4 sterna, with 2+2 small posterior setae arranged in 2 rows and surrounded by several (age dependent) longer setae including two flank macrosetae in row mp (cf. Fig. 29 and Fig. 30). Ventral tube with (8)9+9 distal setae and 1(2) proximal ones at base. Upper subcoxae usually with 4-5-5, tibiotarsi with 20-21-20 setae as a rule. Distal whorl with 11 setae (7 A and 4 T-setae), whorl B with 7-7-6 setae, setae M and 1-2 setae of C-whorl present. Unguis simple, with neither inner nor lateral teeth, unguiculus without distinct basal lamella, clearly shorter than unguis (Fig. 9).

Affinities

This new species resembles two congeners recently described from the European part of Russia, namely Oligaphorura humicola Shvejonkova & Potapov, 2011 and O. kremenitsai Shvejonkova & Potapov, 2011. All three species lack anal spines and have no cuticular fold on the sternum of Abd.4. Apart from this, the former is characterized by a set of pso on both dorsal and ventral sides on a body, as well as on upper subcoxae identical to that in O. ambigua sp. n., and also has no ms on Th.3 and ventral psx. O. kremenitsai differs from both O. ambigua and O. humicola having more pso on Th.2-3 (42/144/33354 as a whole). Some differences like the uncommon position of anterior pso on head and submedial ones on Abd.4-5 in O. humicola and O. kremenitsai or their reduced tibiotarsal chaetotaxy may be a result of small body size (< 0.6 mm). Nevertheless, the palp structure (ABD-type) in humicola/kremenitsai and the loss of labial papilla C probably reflects a certain genetic distance.

The presence of only four papillae in AO is also an unusual condition in the tribe, shared only with Micraphorura absoloni (Börner, 1901), Oligaphorura palissai (Yosii, 1971) and Dimorphaphorura sophyae Weiner & Kaprus’, 2014. The clear cuticular papillae on antennal tip are also quite characteristic.

Etymology

The name reflects the uncertain generic position of the new species.

Distribution

Known only from the type locality, the alpine belt in the upper reaches of Kolyma river.

Oligaphorura duocellata sp. n.

http://zoobank.org/D3CCBC1E-3F6C-4737-A999-13C07A501D45
Figs 10–16

Material

Holotype ♂, Russia, Magadan District, upper reaches of Kolyma River, Bolshoi Annachag Mt. Range, field station “Aborigen” [61°56'N, 149°40'E], mosses on slope, 1400-1500 m alt., 27.vii.1979, leg. A. Fjellberg (MSPU).

Paratypes 1♂, 1♀, and 1 juvenile, same data as holotype (MSPU).

Description

Colour white. Size of adults 1.2–1.3 mm. Body slender and elongated. Antennae slightly shorter than head, club-like with Ant.4 clearly wider than Ant.3. Subapical organite on Ant.4 peg-like, basal microsensillum set on level with proximal whorl of setae. AO consisting of 5 long papillae, 2 sensory rods, 2 granulated sensory clubs clearly differing in shape (Fig. 12), 5 guard setae and a lateral microsensillum. Ant.1 and 2 usually with 8 and 14 (15) setae, respectively. PAO about as long as nearest pso, usually with 3 elongated lobes (Fig. 11). Labrum with 9 setae and 4 prelabrals. Apical part of labium with thick terminal setae on papillae A and C (AC-type), terminal setae on all papillae rather short (Fig. 13), 7 long, usual 4 spiniform guard setae and 6 proximal setae present. Basal fields of labium (mentum and submentum) with 4 and 5 setae, hypostomal complex of usual shape. Maxillary palp simple, with 2 sublobal setae.

Figures 10–16. 

Oligaphorura duocellata sp. n. 10 dorsal chaetotaxy and pso position 11PAO and nearest pso12 sensorial elements of AO13 labium 14Ti.2 15 chaetotaxy of abdominal sterna, juvenile 16 ibid, adult. Scale bars: 10, 16 = 0.1 mm; 32, 15 = 0.05 mm; 11–13 = 0.01 mm.

Pseudocellar formulas (pso) as follows, dorsal: 32/(1)233/33343, ventral: 11/000/1111(2), parapseudocelli (psx) hardly visible (probably due to long preservation), but psx on unpaired anal lobe present. Upper subcoxae with 2-(2)3-3 pso, one dorsal and 1-2 ventral. Localization of dorsal pso as in Fig. 10, submedial pso on Abd.4 set far apart. Granulation fine and uniform, without areas of enlarged granules. Dorsal chaetotaxy more or less symmetrical, but with frequent variations even in axial parts of terga. Setae smooth and clearly differentiated only on abdominal tip: meso and macrosetae straight, thick and blunt, microsetae curved and pointed, sensory setae indistinct (Fig. 10). Th.1 with few setae, (3)4+4 as a rule, even in full grown specimens. Both Th.2 and 3 with lateral ms. All terga from Th.2 to Abd.3 with 3+3 axial microsetae as a rule. Setae p1 set clearly in forward position comparing with p2 setae on head and Th.2-Abd.3. Unpaired dorsal seta d0 on head absent, Abd.4 m1 setae fine and curved, much shorter than straight a1 and p1, Abd.6 with axial macroseta a0 almost subequal to a2 setae. Thoracic sterna of Th.2-3 without setae along ventral line. Furca reduced to a small area with fine granulation situated in some distance from anterior border of Abd.4, 2+2 setae arranged in 2 rows below furcal remnant are clearly shorter then surrounded ones and moved posteriorly (Fig. 16). In juveniles manubrial field with 3+3 setae between furcal remnant and q-setae (Fig. 15), adult with few additional setae in intermediate position (Fig. 16). Ventral tube with 7+7 distal setae and 1-2 proximal ones at base. Upper subcoxae usually with 3-4-(4)5 setae, tibiotarsi with more than 20-20-19 setae: distal whorl always with 11 setae (7 A and 4 T-setae), whorl B with 7-7-6 setae, setae M and variable C-whorl with one or two setae present. Unguis simple, with neither inner nor lateral teeth, unguiculus with wide basal lamella, clearly shorter than unguis (Fig. 14). Anal spines long and rather thin set without clear papillae.

Affinities

Several uncommon features, like 2+2 pseudocelli and few setae on Th.1, the presence of pseudocelli on several abdominal sterna, the absence of setae on thoracic sterna, and a furcal remnant in the form of a finely granulated area with 4 small setae behind it, permit easy identification of the new species. In addition to O. duocellata sp. n. nine known species of the tribe possess pseudocelli on several abdominal sterna. Three of them, Archaphorura serratotuberculata (Stach, 1933), A. alavensis Simón & Luciáñez, 1994, and A. marcuzzii (Cassagnau, 1968) are usually considered as representatives of the genus Archaphorura due to the absence of anal spines. The presence of ventral pso in the former species is uncertain as specimens from Moscow vicinity contrary to those from Poland (see Pomorski 1998) have only ventral psx on abdomen. The loss of anal spines also characterizes O. humicola, O. kremenitsai and O. ambigua sp. n.

The only known species of the tribe with AS and pso on several abdominal sterna (M. multiperforata (Gruia, 1973), M. uralica (Khanislamova, 1986), are within Micraphorura on the www.collembola.org or treated as Dimorphaphorura (D. olenae Weiner & Kaprus’, 2014). M. multiperforata is a unique species with dorsal pso multiplication, whereas M. uralica seems to be the most similar to O. duocellata sp. n. having also more than 2 pso on subcoxae (a unique character) and no setae on thoracic sterna, a character which is known only for species from eastern parts of Asia and North America, i.e. Oligaphorura nuda (Fjellberg, 1987), O. judithae (Weiner, 1994), O. linderae (Weiner, 1994), O. montana Weiner, 1994, O. pseudomontana Sun & Wu, 2012, and O. chankaensis Sun & Wu, 2012.

Etymology

Named after the presence of 2+2 pso on Th.1, a character previously unknown for the tribe.

Distribution

Known only from the type locality.

Redescription and remarks on other species of Oligaphorurini from north-east Russia

Micraphorura absoloni (Börner, 1901)

Aphorura absoloni Börner, 1901: 422.

Micraphorura absoloni (Börner): www.collembola.org

Remarks

Juveniles from Magadan (NE Russia) have a furcal field with 2+2 setae behind the cuticular furrow, followed by 3+3 q-setae (Fig. 27). This pattern is in a full accordance with what Pomorski (1996) reported from European populations. In adults a few additional setae (usually in asymmetric positions) may appear between the primary rows of the juvenile, obscuring the original pattern (Fig. 28). The formula of the parapseudocelli (psx) in specimens from Magadan is also the same as Pomorski (1998) noticed from Europe: 0/000/1101, absent on subcoxae.

Oligaphorura nataliae (Fjellberg, 1987), comb. n.

Onychiurus (Archaphorura) nataliae Fjellberg, 1987: 281.

Micraphorura nataliae (Fjellberg): www.collembola.org

Material

holotype, ♂, “USSR, Chukotka, Chaun Bay [68°44'N, 170°36'E], upland heath, soil, 13.viii 1977” (CNC 165046, type No 20114); paratypes: 1 juv. same data (CNC 165136, type No 20113); 3♀, same place, Loc. S-1, Sept. 1975 (CNC 165135, type No 20112), all S.F. MacLean leg.

Additional material

15 specimens, Russia, Novosibirsk Islands, Kotel’nyi, Balyktakh river [75°03'N, 140°10'E], various habitats, vii 1994, A. Babenko leg.

Redescription

Colour white. Size 0.8–0.9 mm. Body shape cylindrical. Antennae about as long as head, Ant.3-4 broad, club-like. Ant.4 with subapical organite and microsensillum located in proximal row of setae. AO consists of 5 long and thin papillae, two sensory rods, two granulated sensory clubs (internal straight, external much bigger and bent), 5 guard setae, and a lateral microsensillum which is set below the organ. Ant.1 and 2 with 8 and 14-15 setae, respectively. PAO with 3-4 lobes, slightly longer than nearest pseudocellus. Labrum with 4/5-2-2 setae but variations also seen. Apical part of labium with thick terminal setae on papillae A and C, usually complete number of long guard setae (7) and 4 spiniform ones, 6 proximal setae present. Basal fields of labium with 4+5(6) setae. Maxillary palp simple with two sublobal hairs. Maxillae not modified.

Pseudocellar formula (pso) as follows, dorsal: 32/033/33343, ventral: 2/000/0000, parapseudocelli (psx) invisible. Each subcoxa with one pso, psx invisible (absent ?). Granulation fine, clearly coarser around pseudocelli on all segments. Dorsal chaetotaxy almost symmetrical, setae smooth, macrosetae clearly differentiated only on abdominal tip, sensory setae indistinct. Th.1 with (5)6+6 setae. Lateral ms present only on Th.2. On head p1 clearly above p2, its position on Th.2-Abd.3 rather variable but usually more or less at a level with p2. Abd.1-3 with setae p4 present as a rule. Abd.5 with m1 curved, thinner and shorter than the straight a1 and p1, the latter usually shorter than anterior macrosetae a1. Unpaired setae: d0 absent, Abd.5 often with seta p0 present, Abd.6 with two axial macrosetae, a0 clearly shorter than a2. Thoracic sterna with 0, 1+1, 1+1 setae. Furca as small cuticular furrow in some distance from anterior border of sternum. Chaetotaxy of furcal field in juveniles as in Fig. 32: usual 3+3 proximal q-setae and 3+3 setae set in triangle below furrow; adults with few (1-2) additional setae in front of q-row (Fig. 31). Ventral tube usually with 6+6 distal and 2(1) proximal setae at base. Subcoxae with 3-5-(4)5 setae, tibiotarsi with 20-20-19 setae: each distal whorl (A+T) with 11 setae, whorl B with 7-7-6 setae, setae M and Y present on all tibiotarsi. Unguis simple, without inner or lateral teeth, unguiculus with small basal lamella, about 3/4 as long as unguis. Anal spines rather long and thin, almost straight and hardly constricted at base, set without papillae. Males present.

Remarks

Originally described as Onychiurus (Archaphorura) nataliae, the species is now listed under Micraphorura on www.collembola.org. Nevertheless the chaetotaxy of the manubrial field in juveniles of this species is identical with that found in northern parthenogenetic populations of O. groenlandica (Tullberg, 1876) (cf. Fig. 32 and Fig. 18). Adults usually have a pattern with four setal rows behind the cuticular furrow (Fig. 31), which considered being typical for Oligaphorura.

Figures 17–20. 

Chaetotaxy of abdominal sterna. 17 Oligaphorura groenlandica (adult, Taimyr) 18 Oligaphorura groenlandica (I instar, Taimyr) 19 O. interrupta (I instar) 20 O. interrupta (adult). Secondary setae in adults circled. Scale bars: 17 = 0.1 mm, 18–20 = 0.05 mm.

In the interactive key on www.collembola.org the species keys out with Oligaphorura interrupta (Micraphorura on www.collembola.org) which can easily be distinguished by higher number of abdominal pso, presence of ms on Th.3 and absence of ventral setae on Th.2.

Five known species of the tribe possess the same number of dorsal and ventral pseudocelli as nataliae, i.e. O. pingicola (Fjellberg, 1987), O. koreana (Weiner, 1994), Dimorphaphorura raxensis (Gisin, 1961), D. chatyrdagi (Kaprus’, Weiner & Pomorski, 2002), and D. sanjiangensis Sun & Wu, 2012. O. nataliae differs from the above Oligaphorura species (O. pingicola and O. koreana) in having no ms on Th.3. D. raxensis according to Weiner and Kaprus’ (2014) has 9 distal setae on tibiotarsi and ABC type of labium. D. chatyrdagi can easily be distinguished due to strongly reduced tibiotarsal chaetotaxy (with 5 distal setae) and the presence of ms on Th.3. D. sanjiangensis, recently described from northern China, can be separated from O. nataliae due to different type of labium (A versus AC in O. nataliae), the presence of psx on abdominal sterna (0/000/122201+1m), and identical number of tibiotarsal setae on all legs (20-20-20) which is very characteristic if it is correct. Apart of this, all three species of Dimorphaphorura should have no more than 5+5 setae in the manubrial field whereas even first instars of O. nataliae possess 6+6 setae.

The presence of 7 long guard setae of labium in such small species as O. nataliae is an uncommon character in the tribe and needs additional confirmation being seen in few specimens. Only five other Asiatic species, D. sanjiangensis, Micraphorura changbaiensis Sun & Wu, 2012, O. aborigensis (Fjellberg, 1987) and the two new Oligaphorura species described above, share this character with O. nataliae whereas 18 species of the tribe are known as having only 6 long guards.

Micraphorura alnus (Fjellberg, 1987), comb. n.

Onychiurus (Archaphorura) alnus Fjellberg, 1987: 282.

Dimorphaphorura alna (Fjellberg): www.collembola.org

Dimorphaphorura alnus (Fjellberg): Weiner and Kaprus’ 2014: 6.

Material

holotype, ♀, “ USSR, Magadan Reg., Aborigen [field station, 61°56'N, 149°40'E], deep, moist Pinus pumila litter, 27 vii 1979“ (CNC 165044, type No 20108); Paratypes, 5 ♀, same sample (CNC 165130, type No 20111); 1 ♀, same region, “Alnus litter in dense thickets, 25 vii 1979” (CNC 165129, type No 20110), all A. Fjellberg leg.; 9 specimens (in bad condition), “USSR, Chukotka, Chaun Bay [68°44'N, 170°36'E], Sept. 1975” (CNC 165128, type No 20109), S.F. MacLean leg.

Additional material

1 ♂, Magadan District, Bolshoi Annachag Mts. Range, upper reaches of Kolyma River, field station “Aborigen”, valley bottom near station, moss and litter of Larix/Pinus on slope, 25 vii 1979, A. Fjellberg leg.; 5♀ and 3♂, same region, deep moist litter in thickets of Pinus pumila, 1200 m alt., 27 vii 1979, A. Fjellberg leg.; 2 ♂, same region, stand of Pinus pumila, Betula, Larix dahurica, and Alnus fruticosa, 24 vii 1979, V. Behan leg.

Redescription

Colour white. Size 0.8-0.9 mm. Body shape cylindrical. Antennae about as long as head, Ant.3-4 broad, club-like. Ant.4 with subapical organite and microsensillum located in proximal row of setae. AO consists of 5 long and thin papillae, two sensory rods, two granulated sensory clubs (internal almost straight, external much larger and bent), 5 guard setae and a lateral microsensillum which is set below the organ. Ant.1 with 8 setae, Ant. 2 with (12)13 setae. PAO with 3-4 lobes, slightly longer than nearest pseudocellus. Labrum with 4/3-2-2 setae. Apical part of labium with thick terminal setae on papillae A and C, 6 long guard setae and 6 proximal setae present, basal fields with 4+5 setae. Maxillary palp simple with two sublobal hairs.

Pseudocellar formula (pso) as follows, dorsal: 32/133/33343, ventral: 2/000/0001, parapseudocelli (psx) invisible. Each subcoxa with one pso, psx absent. Granulation rather coarse, especially around pseudocelli and on Abd.6. Dorsal chaetotaxy almost symmetrical, setae smooth and fine, macrosetae poorly differentiated, sensory setae (2/011/222211) more or less distinct, Th.1 usually with 6+6 setae, Th.2-3 with lateral ms, p1 on head and Th.2-3 almost on level with other medial p-setae. Abd.5 with m1 longer than a1, subequal to p1. Unpaired setae: d0 and axial seta on Abd.5 absent, Abd.6 with two axial setae, a0 subequal to a2. Thoracic sterna with 0-1(2)-1(2-3) setae on each side of ventral line. Upper subcoxae usually with 3-3-4 setae. Furca as a small area with fine granulation in middle section of sternum of Abd.4, some setae present on sternum anteriorly to furcal remnant. In juveniles manubrial field with usual 3+3 proximal q- setae and 2+2 distal ones set in a row, in adults some additional setae sometimes present, especially in large specimens (Fig. 33). Ventral tube with (5)6+6 distal and (1)2 proximal setae at base. Subcoxae with 3-(3)4-(3)4 setae, tibiotarsi with 20-20-19 setae: each distal whorl (A+T) with 11 setae, whorl B with 7-7-6 setae, setae M and Y present on all tibiotarsi. Unguis simple, without inner or lateral teeth, unguiculus with clear basal lamella, about 3/4 as long as unguis. Anal spine bent, rather thick and constricted at base, set without papillae. Males present.

Remarks

The redescription completely matches the original one, although Fjellberg (1987) did not mentioned ventral pso on Abd.4. The species was recently redescribed by Weiner and Kaprus’ (2014). The only clear difference with this description is the number of labral setae which states as being full (4/3-4-2). The authors treat the species as Dimorphaphorura because their specimens had no secondary setae in the manubrial field (only 5+5 setae in all). In the largest specimens from Magadan the manubrial field has several additional mm-setae (the holotype has 14 setae on the manubrial field in total) which illustrates the weak distinction between Dimorphaphorura and Micraphorura.

The set of dorsal pseudocelli displayed by M. alnus is shared with several other species in the genus. Among these only four species have ventral pso present on Abd.4, i.e. M. alnus, M. pieninensis Weiner, 1988, Dimorphaphorura irinae (Thibaud & Taraschuk, 1997), and D. olenae. Micraphorura pieninensis differs from both other species in having no ms on Th.3. Dimorphaphorura irinae can be distinguished by the reduced tibiotarsal chaetotaxy (only 2 T-setae present), a full number of labral setae (4/9) and different labial type (ABC) (Weiner and Kaprus’ 2014). Dimorphaphorura olenae possesses ventral pso on all sterna from Abd.1 to Abd.4, and two pso on subcoxae of leg.2-3.

Oligaphorura interrupta (Fjellberg, 1987), comb. n.

Onychiurus (Archaphorura) interruptus Fjellberg, 1987: 282.

Micraphorura interrupta (Fjellberg): www.collembola.org

Material

holotype, ♀, “USSR, Magadan Reg., “Death Valley”, Magadan-Ust’ Umchug [road], 209 km from Magadan, moss, lichen, Vaccinium, 30 vii 1979” (CNC 165045, type No 20107); Paratypes, 9♀ and 1♂, same sample (CNC 165134, type No 20106), all A. Fjellberg leg.

Additional material

1 specimen, Magadan District, Bolshoi Annachag Mts. Range, upper reaches of Kolyma River, field station “Aborigen” [61°56'N, 149°40'E], alpine study area (lichen, moss, Dryas, Empetrum), 26 vii 1979, V. Behan leg.; 11 specimens, same region, Butugychag (“Death Valley”) [61°18'N, 149°11'E], moist Sphagnum, litter Betula nana, Alnus thickets, 30 vii 1979, A. Fjellberg leg.; 10 specimens, Magadan vicinities, “Snow Valley”, rich meadow (Veratrum, Angelica), 20 viii 1979; ca. 15 specimens, Northern Yakutia, Shirokostan Peninsula, Ledyanoe lake [72°25'N, 141°00'E], various habitats, 1994, A. Babenko leg.; 1 ♀, North-Eastern Yakutia, delta of Indigirka river [71°26'N, 149°45'E], Eriophorum vaginatum tussock, 1994, A. Babenko leg.; ca. 30 specimens, Magadan District, upper reaches of Ola River [60°39'N, 151°16'E], various sites, viii 2011, A. Babenko leg.

Redescription

Colour white. Size 0.75 mm. Body shape cylindrical. Antennae about as long as head, Ant.3-4 broad, club-like. Ant.4 with a peg-like subapical organite, microsensillum located in proximal row of setae. AO consisting of 5 long and thin papillae, two sensory rods, two granulated sensory clubs (internal straight, external much bigger and bent), 5 guard setae and a lateral microsensillum set below the organ. Ant.1 and 2 with 8 setae and 13-14 setae respectively. PAO with 3-4 lobes, longer than nearest pseudocellus. Labrum with 4/3-2-2 setae. Apical part of labium with thick terminal setae on papillae A and C, common number of guard setae (6 long and 4 spiniform ones), and 6 proximal setae. Basal fields with 4+5(6) setae. Maxillary palp simple with two sublobal hairs.

Most common dorsal pseudocellar formula (pso) as 32/033/33353, submedial pso a and b on Abd.1-2 set close together (with pso b on level with setae p3). Variations are frequent and specimens with additional pso on some abdominal terga (usually asymmetrical) are seen. The whole formula may be expressed as follows, 32/033/3(4),3(4),3(4),(4)5,3(4). Ventral side of head with two pso as usual. Parapseudocelli (psx) invisible. Each subcoxa with one pso. Granulation fine and uniform, sometimes clearly coarser around pseudocelli. Dorsal chaetotaxy almost symmetrical, setae smooth, macrosetae short, needle-like usually blunt at tip, sensory setae more or less distinct, usually 2/011/22211 in number, sensilla like, broaden seta usually present on lower Scx.3. Th.1 with 5-6 setae on each side. Both Th.2 and 3 with lateral ms, p1 on head and Th.2-3 usually slightly in front of p2, Abd.1-3 with setae p4 usually present. Abd.5 with m1 curved, thinner and shorter than the straight a1 and p1. Unpaired setae: d0 absent, p0 frequently present on Abd.5, Abd.6 with two axial setae, a0 clearly shorter than a2. Thoracic sterna 1-3 with 0-0-1 setae, sometimes setae completely absent. Furca remnant as a small fold in some distance from anterior border of Abd.4 sternum, chaetotaxy of manubrial field in juveniles as in Fig. 19, usually with 3+3 proximal q- setae and 3+3 setae in triangles between cuticular fold and q- setae. In adults 1-3 additional setae usually present in intermediate position (Fig. 20). Four irregular setal rows may be distinguished. Ventral tube with 6+6(7) distal and 2(1) proximal setae at base. Subcoxae usually with 3(4)-4(5)-4 setae, tibiotarsi with 20-20-19 setae: each distal whorl (A+T) with 11 setae, whorl B with 7-7-6 setae, setae M and Y present on all tibiotarsi. Unguis simple, without inner or lateral teeth, unguiculus with small basal lamella, about 3/4 as long as unguis. Anal spines short and thick, slightly bent and constricted at base, set without papillae.

Remarks

The number of pseudocelli in the species appears to be more variable than stated in the original description by Fjellberg (1987), even within the region of the type locality. That is why Nearctic Oligaphorura nuda, characterized by increased number of abdominal pso, appears to be hardly separable from O. interrupta despite their different generic positions on the www.collembola.org. Nevertheless the chaetotaxy of manubrial field in O. interrupta is identical to that of Oligaphorura groenlandica (cf. Figs 17–18 and Figs 19–20) and clearly differs from the pattern typical of Micraphorura absoloni (Figs 26–27). The structure of manubrial field in the nuda holotype (CNC 165047, type No 20103) also indicates its position within the genus Oligaphorura.

The presence of ventral setae on Th.3 in O. interrupta was used by Fjellberg (1987) as an additional diagnostic character to separate O. interrupta and O. nuda (setae absent). However, new material of O. interrupta from various regions of eastern Palaearctic shows this character to be invalid. Some specimens of O. interrupta may also be completely devoid of ventral setae on thorax. More material is evidently needed to clarify the real relationships between these two species.

Only one other known species of the tribe shares the absence of pso on Th.1 combined with presence of 5 pso on Abd.4 with O. interrupta and O. nuda: Oligaphorura reversa (Fjellberg, 1987). This characteristic species differs from the above-mentioned species in having an unusual position of the dorsal pseudocelli on Abd.1-3: the medial pso a is set in a posterior position, clearly behind submedial pso b.

The species listed as O. sp. aff. nuda in Babenko (2013) from Taimyr is another congener with a similar dorsal pseudocellar formula. It differs from both O. interrupta and O. nuda having 1+1 ventral pso on Abd.4.

Oligaphorura groenlandica (Tullberg, 1876)

Lipura groenlandica Tullberg, 1876: 41.

Oligaphorura groenlandica (Tullberg): www.collembola.org

Remarks

Pomorski’s (1996) description of the furcal area of the first instar was as follows: …q-chaetotaxy – 3 chaetae, area furcalis with 2+2 setulae below cuticular furrow and 2+2 setae at base [all together 4+4 setae]. It was based on a single specimen from a bisexual population from Wolin Island on the Polish shore of the Baltic Sea. Weiner’s description (1996): …small, finely granulated cuticular fold or quite a deep pocket with 2 setae on its posterior edge, sometimes with 1+1 additional setae and two other dental setae posteriorly, with manubrial setae on both sides and with other manubrial setae usually in two rows is more complicated. According to the interactive key on the www.collembola.orgOligaphorura should have two dental setae on the fold or posteriorly and three manubrial rows of setae behind them. In fact, the type species of the genus, O. groenlandica (or more correctly the most common parthenogenetic form of this species) has no cuticular fold or clear furrow, just an area with fine granulation in anterior third of the sternum of Abd.4 (Fjellberg 1998). In adults, the position of setae of the furcal area is rather irregular due to weak polychaetosis (Fig. 17) and juveniles clearly differ from that described by Pomorski with only 3+3 setae in front of the 3+3 q-setae (Fig. 18).

Unfortunately, this parthenogenetic form is not the only one present in the northern areas of the Palaearctic. On Taimyr Peninsula and Novosibirsk Islands another bisexual form was found. Probably the same (or similar) form exists in southern Norway (Fjellberg 1998) and Poland (Pomorski 1998). Its furcal area is more similar to the described pattern for O. groenlandica by Pomorski (1996) with cuticular fold and 4+4 setae between the fold and q-setae in the first instar juveniles (Fig. 26). In adults, two “dental” setae set in front of three irregular manubrial rows of setae (Fig. 25). These two forms are very similar and apart from the furcal area, differ only in size (the parthenogenetic form is larger) and in differentiation of the medial setae on Abd.5: “microsetae” m1 (thin and pointed) are much longer than macrosetae a1 and p1 (straight and truncate) in the true parthenogenetic O. groenlandica. Bisexual specimens usually have m1 curved and short and a1 and p1 long and straight. There are also some differences in psx formulas: 10/000/222201+1m, upper subcoxae with 2-2-2 psx in the bisexual form and 10/000/222101m, subcoxae 1-1-2 in the parthenogenetic one. Unfortunately the number of psx in the latter form is not stable. Some specimens lack postlabial psx or one of psx on anterior abdominal sterna, others may have additional psx on Abd.4 or on paired anal lobes; and anterior psx on subcoxae of fore and middle legs can be just invisible due to position. Pomorski (1998) gave slightly different formula for the Polish specimens: 1/000/122101m. Thus several similar forms do exist in Palaearctic, but the real O. groenlandica described by Tullberg from Greenland and Svalbard probably belongs to the main parthenogenetic form with circumpolar distributional range lacking cuticular fold on the sternum of Abd.4.

Oligaphorura ursi (Fjellberg, 1984)

Onychiurus ursi Fjellberg, 1984: 71.

Oligaphorura ursi (Fjellberg): www.collembola.org

Remarks

Contrary to O. groenlandica, O. ursi, another northern circumpolar species of the genus, is common in the Magadan region inhabiting different wet sites above tree-line. Recently the species was redescribed on the basis of specimens from northern China (Sun and Wu 2012a). We have some doubts about the identity of the Chinese and northern populations. Northern specimens usually have 6 long and four spiniform guard setae on the labial palp [versus 11 in Chinese specimens], ventral psx 10/000/212201+1m with frequent variations [versus 0/000/122200 in the Chinese ones] and at least one psx on each subcoxae, most usually 1-2-2 [versus completely absent]. Apart from this, it was said that the Chinese specimens had an identical number of setae on all tibiotarsi [versus 20-20-19 setae in northern populations].

Oligaphorura aborigensis (Fjellberg, 1987)

Onychiurus (Archaphorura) aborigensis Fjellberg, 1987: 285.

Oligaphorura aborigensis (Fjellberg): www.collembola.org

Material

holotype, ♀, “USSR, Magadan Reg., Aborigen [67°57'N, 149°34'E], alpine snow fields, under stones, 27 vii 1979“ (CNC 165043, type No 20102); paratypes, ♀ and juv., same sample (CNC 165127, type No 20101), all A. Fjellberg leg.

Unfortunately the types of the species were partly damaged and no additional specimens were found in the available material from the vicinity of Aborigen field station. So, only few additional details can be added to the original description.

Labium with thick terminal seta only on papilla A, 7 long guard setae and 6 proximal setae, basal fields with 4+6 setae. Tibiotarsi with complete set of setae (20-20-19): each distal whorl (A+T) with 11 setae, whorl B with 7-7-6 setae, setae M and Y present on all tibiotarsi. Furcal fold straight and comparatively small, situated in mid-section of Abd.4, furcal field in the only seen juvenile with 4+4 setae between proximal q-setae and the cuticular fold (as on Fig. 24), adults with some additional setae in intermediate position forming 4 more or less regular rows as typical for other Oligaphorura.

Figures 21–24. 

Chaetotaxy of abdominal sterna. 21 Oligaphorura ursi (I instar) 22 Oligaphorura ursi (adult) 23 O. pingicola (adult) 24 O. pingicola (I instar). Secondary setae in adults circled. Scale bars: 21, 24 = 0.05 mm, 22–23 = 0.1 mm.

The species is well defined due to the absence of sublobal setae on the maxillary outer lobe (a unique character for the tribe or even for Onychiurinae), strong differentiation of dorsal setae and the pseudocellar formula (32/133/33353) which is not especially common for the tribe being shared with only D. pseudoraxensis (Nosek & Christian, 1983), O. sabulosa Babenko, 2008, and D. jingyueensis Sun & Wu, 2012. All of them have the usual two sublobals on the maxillary palp and the macrosetae being much shorter and finer than in O. aborigensis. Apart from this the two former species are characterized by the absence of ms on Th.3.

Oligaphorura pingicola (Fjellberg, 1987)

Onychiurus (Archaphorura) pingicolus Fjellberg, 1987: 285.

Oligaphorura pingicola (Fjellberg): www.collembola.org

Material

holotype, ♂, “Alaska, Prudhoe Bay, Dryas-turf on pingo, 16 viii 1976” (CNC 165048, type No 20099); paratypes, 5♀ and ♂, same sample (CNC 165139, type No 200100), all A. Fjellberg leg.

Additional material

50 specimens, Russia, Yakutia (Sakha Republic), Suntar-Khayata Mt. Range, upper reaches of Kyubyume River [63°13'N, 139°32'E], various sites, viii 2002, O. Makarova leg.; 25 specimens, Magadan District, upper reaches of Ola River [60°39'N, 151°16'E], snow fields, 1100–1200 m alt., A. Babenko leg.; 4 specimens, Magadan District, Bolshoi Annachag Mts. Range, upper reaches of Kolyma River, field station “Aborigen” [61°56'N, 149°40'E], thick moss among rocks near snow field, 26 vii 1979, A. Fjellberg leg.; 4 specimens, same region, lichen/Ledum in northern slope, 28 vii 1979, A. Fjellberg leg.; 1 specimens, same region, Pinus pumila and lichen cover on hillside, 20 vii 1979, V. Behan leg.; 2 specimens, same region, alpine study area (lichen, moss, Dryas, Empetrum), 26 vii 1979, V. Behan leg.

Redescription

Colour white. Granulation distinctly enlarged on Abd.6 and on head. Size 1.0–1.1 mm. Body shape cylindrical. Antennae about as long as head, Ant.3-4 broad, club-like. Ant.4 with a subapical spherical organite and a microsensillum located in proximal row of setae. AO consists of 5 long and thin papillae, two sensory rods, two granulated sensory clubs (internal almost straight, external much larger and bent), 5 guard setae and a lateral microsensillum which set below the organ. Ant.1 and 2 with 8-9 and 15-16 setae respectively. PAO with 2-3 elongated lobes, much longer than nearest pseudocellus. Labrum with 4/5-2-2 setae. Apical part of labium with thick terminal setae on papillae A and C, 6 long guard setae and 6 proximal setae present, basal fields with 4+(5)6 setae. Maxillary palp simple with two sublobal hairs.

Pseudocellar formula (pso) as follows, dorsal: 32/033/33343, ventral: 2/000/0000, parapseudocelli (psx) 10/000/222201+1m. Each subcoxa with one pso and one psx, psx present also on femora and on border between Ant.3-4. Granulation rather fine but clearly coarser around pseudocelli and on Abd.6. Dorsal chaetotaxy almost symmetrical, setae smooth and clearly differentiated, sensory setae more or less distinct, usually 2/011/222211. Th.1 with 7-8 setae on each side, both Th.2 and 3 with lateral ms, p1 on head and Th.2-3 usually moved forward in relation to other medial p-setae. Abd.5 with microsetae m1 thin and curved, clearly shorter than mesosetae a1 and p1. Unpaired seta d0 on head absent, Abd.5 frequently with one unpaired axial seta in p-row, two axial setae present on Abd.6, a0 shorter than a2. Thoracic sterna of both Th.2 and 3 with 1+1 setae along ventral line. Furca shaped like a small fold in some distance from anterior border of Abd.4, in juveniles furcal field with 4+4 setae between proximal q-setae and the cuticular fold (Fig. 24), adults with some additional setae in intermediate position forming 4 more or less regular rows as typical for Oligaphorura (Fig. 23). Ventral tube with 8-9 distal and (1)2 proximal setae at base. Subcoxae with 4(5-6)-5(6)-5(6) setae, tibiotarsi with 20-20-19 setae: each distal whorl (A+T) with 11 setae, whorl B with 7-7-6 setae, setae M and Y present on all tibiotarsi. Unguis without inner tooth but usually with small and hardly visible lateral teeth present, unguiculus with small basal lamella about 3/4 as long as unguis. Anal spines bent, rather thick, set on low papillae. Males present.

Remarks

The above redescription is in full accordance with the original one, adding a few details. While originally described from Alaska, Fjellberg (1987) also remarked that two specimens of the main form are also seen from alpine meadows at Aborigen, USSR (Magadan Reg.). In fact the species seems to be widespread and common not only in the Magadan Region but also in inner parts of the eastern Palaearctic (Suntar-Khayata Mts. Range, Yakutia). Fjellberg (1987) mentioned two distinct forms for Alaska differing in mutual position of setae on Abd.5 and in level of granulation. Only the main form seems to be present in the eastern Palaearctic.

Oligaphorura pingicola shares the number of dorsal and ventral pseudocelli with at least five known species of the tribe, namely O. koreana, O. nataliae, Dimorphaphorura raxensis, D. chatyrdagi, and D. sanjiangensis. O. koreana is very similar to O. pingicola, differing by fewer tibiotarsal setae (19-19-18 versus 20-20-19) and by absence of psx (“indistinct”). The absence of psx is also characteristic for O. nataliae which differs from O. pingicola in having 7 long guard setae on labial palp and absence of ms on Th.3, as well as 2 setae of the proximal row on labrum (4/7 as a whole). Dimorphaphorura raxensis has 9 distal setae on tibiotarsi, full number of labral setae and ABC type of labium (Weiner and Kaprus’ 2014). Dimorphaphorura chatyrdagi can easily be distinguished due to reduced tibiotarsal chaetotaxy with only 5 distal setae, whereas D. sanjiangensis apart from the chaetotaxy of the sternum of Abd.4 differs in labium type (A versus AC) and identical number of tibiotarsal setae on all legs (20-20-20 versus 20-20-19).

Oligaphorura tottabetsuensis (Yosii, 1972), a species known from northern Japan, probably also belongs to the same group although the reported number of dorsal pseudocelli is slightly different (32/033/33333). The species is in need of redescription.

Discussion

The morphological characters being widely accepted as separating genera of Onychiuridae involve the shape of the postantennal organ (PAO), structures of the antennal organ (AO), tibiotarsal chaetotaxy, arrangement of the pseudocelli (pso), presence/absence of anal spines, distribution and shape of sensory setae on the body, and the gradual reduction of the furca. In our view a genus diagnosis based exclusively on reductional stages of the furca is dubious for at least two reasons: (1) similarity in reductional stage may represent a convergence achieved independently from distant phyletic lines, resulting in a polyphyletic or paraphyletic assemblage of species; (2) many collembolan genera (Xenylla, Folsomia, Folsomides, Scutisotoma, etc.) cover species with a wide range of furcal reduction, but are still accepted as natural genera which no one would split. In Collembola at least the initial stages of furcal reduction are clearly of adaptive nature, reflecting a shift from surface activity to life in deeper strata where jumping ability is restricted. Although the species under discussion have a furca which is no longer functional, the adaptive character of the reduction probably masks the underlying genetic relationships. Moreover, the practically identical furcal remnant of the Onychiuridae genera Supraphorura Stach, 1954 and Psyllaphorura Bagnall, 1948 is obviously not a good proof for any close relationship.

Bagnall’s (1949) original diagnoses of four genera of Oligaphorurini were more species than genus diagnoses. Re-establishment of these genera by Weiner (1996) and Pomorski (1996) was based on other diagnostic characters and involved more species but created some taxonomic problems which are not yet solved. According to these authors the four principal genera may be recognized as follows: Archaphorura and Oligaphorura differ by absence of anal spines in the former, presence in the latter. Both have identical furcal fields, differing from the two other genera by an additional row of setae, even in the first instar juvenile. Dimorphaphorura has the same chaetotaxy of the furcal field as a juvenile Micraphorura, whereas adults of the latter have a few (1-4) additional intermediate setae. In practice juveniles of Archaphorura and Oligaphorura are easily separated, also from juveniles of Dimorphaphorura/Micraphorura, while juveniles of the two latter are inseparable by the furcal field. Sorting out the generic affiliation of adults is much more difficult.

On the www.collembola.org there is an interactive key which proposes the following characters for identification of Oligaphorurini genera.

Chribellphorura: antennal tip with a retractive papilla, tibiotarsi with clavate setae in distal whorl; Archaphorura: Abd.5-6 fused dorsally, Ant.3-4 fused, anal spines absent; Dimorphaphorura: furcal rudiment in a form of finely granulated area; Oligaphorura: furcal rudiment in a form of cuticular furrow or small fold; chaetotaxy: 2 dental setae on the fold or posteriorly and three manubrial rows of setae behind them; Micraphorura: similar to Oligaphorura but without 2 dental setae, so only three rows of setae can be distinguished, mm-row with 4-6 setae.

In summary, Archaphorura has a unique character combination, Dimorphaphorura has no furcal fold or furrow, and Oligaphorura has an additional row of setae on the manubrial field compared with Micraphorura. The monotypic genus Chribellphorura is unique and needs no further discussion to be distinguished.

This adequate but probably too simplified scheme was neglected by Shvejonkova and Potapov (2011) who included three new species without anal spines and furcal fold not in Archaphorura but in Micraphorura (M. stojkoae) and Oligaphorura (O. kremenitsai and O. humicola). As a result Archaphorura lost its main diagnostic feature (absence of anal spines), as Dimorphaphorura (furcal rudiment in the form of a finely granulated area). The authors considered Archaphorura to be a good genus not due to the absence of AS, but because of the peculiar antennae (fused Ant.3 and 4, subapical position of AO and ms of Ant.4 hidden under long papillae) and the fused Abd.5-6. There is also one neglected diagnostic character state of A. serratotuberculata, the type species of the genus, namely the absence of M-setae on tibiotarsi. This very character was registered in two rather remote European regions, Fennoscandia (Fjellberg 1998) and Moscow vicinity (new data). In all other Oligaphorurini with known tibiotarsal chaetotaxy this seta is present. Unfortunately there is still a number of species in which tibiotarsal chaetotaxy is not completely known and the character may end up as non-diagnostic for Archaphorura. The exact definition of A. serratotuberculata is obscure (Shvejonkova and Potapov 2011) and several species may be involved.

The recent revision of the Palaearctic species of Dimorphaphorura by Weiner and Kaprus’ (2014) defined the genus more legibly and added a further criterion distinguishing Dimorphaphorura from other genera of the tribe – the absence of so called “dental” setae. In our view this character is rather subjective as setae set just below cuticular trace of furca differ (in size or sockets) from other sternal setae on Abd.4 only occasionally even in M. absoloni, can hardly represent a reliable criterion. The two new species described in the present paper further complicate the situation as one of them lacks AS but has long, not club-like, antenna and both have “furca” in the form of a “finely granulated area” (typical of Dimorphaphorura) but with 2+2 small setae in two rows below it as in Oligaphorura (Figs 15–16, 29–30).

In fact the diversity of manubrial chaetotaxy patterns in Oligaphorurini seems to be much higher than postulated so far, which obscures the current generic subdivisions. Thus four different patterns were found in juveniles of the northern species of the tribe: apart from 3+3 proximal q-setae the furcal field may have 2+2 setae (alnus, absoloni, Fig. 27), 3+3 (groenlandica, nataliae, interrupta, Figs 18–19, 32) or 4+4 setae (most studied Oligaphorura, Figs 21, 24). In the latter case there are at least two patterns with a different mutual position of setae (cf. Fig. 21 and Fig. 26). The fifth variant with only 1+1 setae is known for the first instar of Dimorphaphorura daii (Pomorski et al., 1998). The number of secondary setae appearing during ontogenesis on the furcal field is surprisingly low, usually 1-3, rarely more. Nevertheless, the position and the number of these secondary setae are not stable within a species. We have probably never seen any adult specimens with completely symmetrical chaetotaxy of furcal field when there are any secondary setae present.

Figures 25–28. 

Chaetotaxy of abdominal sterna. 25Oligaphorura sp. aff. groenlandica (adult, Taimyr) 26Oligaphorura sp. aff. groenlandica (I instar, Taimyr) 27 Micraphorura absoloni (I instar) 28 Micraphorura absoloni (adult). Secondary setae in adults circled. Scale bars: 9 = 0.1 mm, 10–12 = 0.05 mm.

Figures 29–32. 

Chaetotaxy of abdominal sterna. 29 Oligaphorura ambigua sp. n. (adult) 30 Oligaphorura ambigua sp. n. (juvenile) 31 O. nataliae (adult) 32 O. nataliae (juvenile). Secondary setae in adults circled. Scale bars: 29, 31–32 = 0.1 mm, 30 = 0.05 mm.

Figures 33–34. 

Chaetotaxy of abdominal sterna. 33 Micraphorura alnus (adult) 34 Archaphorura serratotuberculata (adult). Secondary setae circled. Scale bars: 0.05 mm.

The present generic framework for Oligaphorurini is probably unique – difficult to use and hardly reflecting real relationships. There is great temptation to return to a single genus Archaphorura as Christiansen and Bellinger (1980, 1998) and Fjellberg (1987) had done. Nevertheless we realize that such a pooling of all species of the tribe within a single unit obviously contradicts recent taxonomic traditions. Despite being unsatisfactory the most realistic alternative is to keep the current “five genera” system, admitting that this solution is clearly provisional and does not fully reflect a natural generic affiliations of the species pool. Hopefully future genetic studies (barcoding) may contribute to solve these problems.

Key to the northern species of the Oligaphorurini tribe

1 Th.1 without pso 2
– Th.1 with pso 6
2 Only Th.2 with lateral ms O. nataliae (Fjellberg)
– Both Th.2 and Th.3 with lateral ms 3
3 Abd.4 with 4 dorsal pso [totally 32/033/33343] O. pingicola (Fjellberg)
– Abd.4 with 5 dorsal pso including 3 in submedial group 4
4 Th.2 with at least 1+1 ventral setae. Abd.1-3 with pso b moved forward above medial pso a. Dorsal pso formula as 32/033/44454 O. reversa (Fjellberg)
– Th.2 without ventral setae. Abd.1-3 with pso b set behind medial pso a 5
5 Th.3 at least sometimes with 1+1 ventral setae O. interrupta (Fjellberg)
– Th.3 without ventral setae O. nuda (Fjellberg)
6 Th.1 with 2+2 pso and with only 4+4 setae present in adults. Thoracic sterna without setae O. duocellata sp. n.
– Th.1 with only 1+1 pso and more than 4+4 setae in adults. Th.2-3 as a rule with ventral setae 7
7 Only Th.2 with lateral ms 8
– Both Th.2 and Th.3 with lateral ms 11
8 AO with 4 papillae 9
– AO with 5 papillae 10
9 Anal spines present. Upper subcoxae with 1-1-1 pso. Labrum with 9 setae. Labium of AC type M. absoloni (Börner)
– Anal spines absent. Upper subcoxae with 2-(2)3-3 pso. Labrum with 7 setae. Labium of ABC type O. ambigua sp. n.
10 Abd.4 with 4 dorsal pso [totally 32/133/33343]. Labium A-type O. ursi (Fjellberg, 1984)
– Abd.4 with 5 dorsal pso [totally 32/133/33353]. Labium AC-type O. sabulosa Babenko, 2008
11 Maxillary outer lobe without sublobals. Formula of dorsal pso as follows 32/133/33353 O. aborigensis (Fjellberg)
– Maxillary outer lobe with 2 sublobals. Formula of dorsal pso as follows 32/133/33343 12
12 Labium of A- type O. schoetti (Lie-Pettersen)
– Labium of AC type 13
13 Abd.4 with ventral pso. Labrum with 7 setae M. alnus (Fjellberg)
– Abd.4 without ventral pso. Labrum with 9 setae O. groenlandica (Tullberg)

Acknowledgements

We express our sincere thanks to V. Behan-Pelletier, M. Potapov, O. Makarova, I. Kaprus’ and Yu. Shvejonkova for the loan of valuable material and for their constructive comments. We are also much indebted to anonymous reviewers and the academic editor, Louis Deharveng, for critical and suggestive remarks.

The paper has been supported through grants of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (projects 11-04-00175 and 14-04-01114) and through several scientific programmes of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

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