Antarctic Science

Table of Contents - 07 October 2011 - Volume 23, Issue 05  

Biological Sciences

Rafting in the Antarctic springtail, Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni

T.C. Hawesa1 c1

a1 Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand

Abstract

Capture by water surfaces is a frequent but stochastic phenomenon for Antarctic collembolans (springtails), with implications for both the survival and dispersal of populations. This paper provides the first field description of the characteristics of rafting aggregations of the springtail Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni and provides the first observation of the inclusion of the mite, Stereotydeus mollis, within these aggregations. Field observations of aggregations in meltwater pools are used to develop a picture of the ecological implications of rafting for Antarctic springtails. The potential for marine capture was also demonstrated by additional observations of two springtails aerially deposited on to sea ice as well as springtails floating in the tidewater cracks between the sea ice and land.

(Received December 03 2010)

(Accepted March 11 2011)

(Online publication April 27 2011)

Key words

Correspondence:

c1 Tinstone12@hotmail.com

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