Intricatonura fjellbergi, a New Peculiar Genus and Species of Neanurini (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A new genus and species of springtail, Intricatonura fjellbergi, has been discovered in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This tiny, unique organism exhibits a distinctive set of morphological traits, including a reduced number of labial setae, divided DL tubercles on thoracic segments, rectangular Di tubercles on abdominal segments I–IV, and an absence of tubercles and De setae on the abdomen. Morphologically, Intricatonura resembles Vietnura, a genus known from Vietnam, suggesting potential evolutionary or ecological connections between temperate North American and Southeast Asian springtails. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and contributes to our understanding of Collembola taxonomy.

Smolis, A., & Bernard, E. C. (2017). Intricatonura fjellbergi, a New Peculiar Genus and Species of Neanurini (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Florida Entomologist, 100(4), 725–730. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.100.0419