Tomoceridae in GSMNP

Springtails are small insects that feed on fungi and decomposing organic matter. The family Tomoceridae includes some of the largest (up to 5 mm) and most abundant springtails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My goal is to estimate the diversity of Tomoceridae in the Park with surveys that focus on watersheds and unique areas that have not been sampled previously. At the present time I have tentatively identified 12 species from the Park, of which 7 appear to be undescribed. Individuals will be collected and maintained alive for imaging of the diverse scale patterns that these species exhibit. After photography, they will be studied morphologically and molecularly characterized for identification. Using these traits, I will describe new species, build web pages for each species, and prepare identification materials to separate the taxa.