A new species of Pseudosinella Schäffer, 1897 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from Altamira Caves (Cantabria, Spain)

Researchers have identified a new species of springtail, Pseudosinella, within the Altamira Caves and nearby coastal caves in Cantabria, Spain. This discovery is notable for its distinct morphological traits, including five eyes, small inner paired teeth on the claw, and a specific length of the uncrenulated part of the distal dens. The study compares this new species with geographically and morphologically similar ones, highlighting key differences that define its taxonomic position. By examining samples from six caves, the research provides valuable insights into the biodiversity of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, contributing to our understanding of microfauna in such environments.

Baquero, E., Jordana, R., Labrada, L., & Luque, C. G. (2020). A new species of Pseudosinella Schäffer, 1897 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from Altamira Caves (Cantabria, Spain). ZooKeys, 989, 39–54. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.989.52361