Expanding Soil Invertebrate Knowledge in Panama: The Genus Lepidocyrtus (Collembola, Entomobryidae) in the Parque Natural Metropolitano as a Study Case

Alba Enguídanos García ^1,2, Carles Galià-Camps ^2,3, Claudia Massiel Pérez-González ⁴

⁰Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.

Insects +

|

January 8, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study reveals high diversity of soil springtail (Collembola: Lepidocyrtus) species in Panama's Parque Natural Metropolitano. Molecular analysis identified new species, highlighting the park's role in conserving Mesoamerican biodiversity.

Area Of Science

Biodiversity research
Soil ecology
Taxonomy

Background

Panama, a Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, has rich species diversity.
Collembola (springtails) of the genus *Lepidocyrtus* are vital soil decomposers and indicators of soil health.
Limited morphological and molecular data hinder accurate assessment of local soil diversity.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the diversity of *Lepidocyrtus* springtails in Panama's Parque Natural Metropolitano (PNM) using molecular and new taxonomic approaches.
To address limitations in current morphological and molecular resources for evaluating soil biodiversity.
To identify and describe potentially new species within the PNM.

Main Methods

Molecular phylogenetic analyses of 30 *Lepidocyrtus* specimens from PNM.
Species delimitation analyses.
Examination of new taxonomic traits, including the dental tubercle and pseudopores on the BP4 region.

Main Results

The PNM harbors an exceptionally rich community of *Lepidocyrtus* species.
Two species are newly recorded for Panama, and three are potentially new to science.
The dental tubercle and pseudopores on the BP4 region were found to be non-monophyletic, offering supplementary taxonomic characters.

Conclusions

The PNM is a critical refuge for *Lepidocyrtus* species, contributing to Panamanian and Mesoamerican biodiversity.
The study enhances the understanding of *Lepidocyrtus* diversity and taxonomy in the region.
New taxonomic characters identified can aid in resolving species complexes.

Keywords:

dental tubercle molecular barcoding phylogenetics pseudopores species complex taxonomy