A group of small arthropods has been discovered in the Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot in China.
The team from Nantong University has made an exciting announcement about the identification of four new species belonging to the springtail genus Lepidosira. This is the first time this genus has been recorded in China and their findings have been published in Museum für Naturkunde Berlin’s open-access entomology journal Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift.
Led by researchers Xiaowei Qian, Meidong Jing, and Yitong Ma, this study involved extensive fieldwork in the Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve. This reserve is located in Chongqing, a region known for its rich biodiversity.
The team used advanced molecular and customary morphological analysis to confirm their findings. Through COI barcoding and careful examination of physical characteristics, they were able to identify and describe four new species – Lepidosira apigmenta, L. similis, L. wuxiensis, and L.chongqingensis.
Along with introducing these new species, the study also proposes taxonomic updates for two previously known Chinese species based on their true affinities to Lepidosira. This highlights the limitations of identification methods based solely on coloration in traditional Collembola taxonomy.
The research team also provides an updated identification key for the scaled genera of the subfamily Entomobryinae, making it easier for future studies in the region.
This discovery highlights the importance of continued exploration in under-studied habitats and showcases the rich endemic species diversity in China. The study was supported by the National natural Science Foundation of China and the Large Instruments Open Foundation of Nantong University.
Original source
qian X, Jing M, Ma Y (2025) First report of Lepidosira (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from China, with description of four new species under the aid of COI barcoding. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 72(2): 341-365. https://doi.org/10.3897/dez.72.153961
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Fantastic discovery! Can’t wait to learn more about these new species.
Ryan: Incredible! Nature always has more surprises in store for us.