Scopaeus punctatellus Fauvel, 1905 is redescribed. Scopaeus sharpi Cameron, 1912, previously considered a synonym of S. punctatellus, is revalidated and elevated to the rank of subspecies. Consequently, this polytypic species is divided into the nominate subspecies S. p. punctatellus, which is widespread in the Afrotropics and the Madagascan region, and the Saharo-Arabian subspecies S. punctatellus sharpi, which is confined to the Red Sea coast and the Arabian Peninsula. Scopaeus p. punctatellus is reported for the first time from Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, France (Mayotte), Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, the Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Yemen (Sokotra), Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The first record of S. punctatellus sharpi from Oman is provided. A lectotype is designated for S. sharpi. The relationships of S. punctatellus within Scopaeus Erichson, 1839 are discussed.
Soil biodiversity comprises ~59% of all species worldwide and plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystem functioning, supporting food and water security, regulating climate, and sustaining human well-being. However, despite growing recognition of its importance, biological dimensions of soil health remain insufficiently represented in monitoring frameworks and environmental policy. The session “Visions for Soil Biodiversity and Health Indicators”, held at the World Biodiversity Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, brought together researchers and practitioners from international monitoring initiatives, national assessment programs, and technological innovation projects to discuss pathways toward robust and policy-relevant soil biodiversity indicators. The session highlighted recent advances in harmonizing soil biodiversity monitoring across scales, including efforts to integrate existing international protocols and establish globally comparable assessment frameworks. Contributions addressed the development of reliable biodiversity metrics, the integration of molecular and morphological approaches, and the challenges of translating complex ecological data into indicators suitable for environmental governance. Integrating well-established and emerging technologies, such as environmental DNA metabarcoding, artificial intelligence-based image recognition, automated sensor networks, and soil food-web analyses were presented as promising tools for improving the efficiency, scalability, and ecological relevance of soil monitoring. Several studies further demonstrated how soil biodiversity indicators can reveal responses to anthropogenic pressures, including land-use intensification and pesticide contamination, and contribute to the evaluation of soil restoration efforts. Collectively, the presentations emphasized that future soil health assessments will require integrated approaches combining taxonomic, functional, and process-based indicators. The session underscored the importance of international collaboration, methodological standardization, and interdisciplinary research to support emerging soil monitoring legislation and global biodiversity targets. Advancing scientifically robust soil biodiversity indicators will be essential for safeguarding soil health and the ecosystem services upon which human societies depend.
The diel cycle of Willowsia japonica was studied using traps on the tree trunk during the summer months. W. japonica was more active during nighttime than daytime on the trunk of Quercus crispula throughout summer, regardless of body size. The difference was, however, blurred by precipitation, which activated W. japonica even during daytime. However, precipitation increased diurnal activity levels and decreased the difference between daytime and nighttime abundance. Although other springtails such as Desoria spatiosa, Subisotoma sp., and Tomocerus aokii, as well as woodlice were more sensitive to respond to moisture than W. japonica, W. japonica is considered relatively tolerant to desiccation among springtails. Its diel cycle of activity still appears to be shaped by environmental moisture. We also found that the proportion of individuals with discernible gut contents did not significantly differ between night and day, but smaller individuals were more likely to have filled guts, suggesting that juvenile W. japonica feed at a higher rate than adults. In conclusion, the physiology of Collembola necessitates a relationship between activity levels and environmental moisture, even in species considered desiccation-tolerant such as W. japonica.
This study provides a redescription and biological information on Coenaletes caribaeus (Collembola: Coenaletidae), an obligatory commensal springtail associated with terrestrial hermit crabs. Utilizing both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy, we analyze the distinctive morphological characteristics of this genus. Furthermore, we present new records and offer insights into the gastropod shells that serve as hosts.
Specimens of insects belonging to the subfamily Ctenolepismatinae (order Zygentoma, family Lepismatidae), most of them previously included in the genus Ctenolepisma, preserved in the entomological collection of the Museum of Natural History (Museum für Naturkunde Der Humboldt Universität) in Berlin (Germany) have been studied for continuing with the revision of the genus Ctenolepisma and related taxa. The species Ctenolepisma erythraeum sp. nov. is described on the basis of specimens collected in Eritrea and labelled probably by Escherich as a new species but never described until now. The description of two species from Madagascar established by Escherich (1910), Ctenolepisma howa and Ctenolepisma madagascariense, is updated on the basis of type material belonging to both species, concluding that the first one belongs to the genus Sceletolepisma (formerly considered as a subgenus of Ctenolepisma), so the current name for this species is Sceletolepisma howa n. comb. Some characters of both species are corrected respect to their original description and some new characters are provided, using in some cases scanning electronic microscopy, in spite of the not very good condition of specimens preserved during more than a century. Some descriptive remarks are also included in this work regarding other species of Ctenolepismatinae: Sceletolepisma corvinum, Sceletolepisma parcespinatum, Sceletolepisma terebrans and Psammolepisma schultzei.
Stach (1930) described several new species of Microcoryphia from Spain, among them two belonging to the genus Catamachilis, namely C. clipeata and C. ancorata, the latter with specimens from two localities (Flix in Tarragona and La Pobla de Segur in Lleida), more than 160 km far away one of each other. Bach de Roca (1982) provided new data of both species with fresh specimens from several localities from Spain including La Pobla de Segur. Fanciulli et al., (1990) made a molecular study with gene-enzyme technique of genus Catamachilis including specimens from La Pobla de Segur and Monte Caro (Tarragona), this latter relatively close to Flix, resulting that the two populations having important genomic differences. So, now we have collected specimens in the two localities from where Stach described C. ancorata and have performed a morphometric and morphological study concluding that they belong to different species. The main differences in the morphometric study of males are found in most articles of maxillary palp, the femur and tibia of foreleg, the coxites and styli V and VIII and the opening of the penis. For females the length of the articles 3 and 6 of the maxillary palp, also of the articles 2 and 3 of labial palp, some variables on the urosternites V to IX and the number of divisions of gonapophysis VIII and IX show significant differences between both populations. The most relevant morphological differences between males are the quetotaxy of maxillary palp, and the penis opening; in females, the hardiness of maxillary palp, the number of spines on the tibia of hind leg and the number of divisions and chaetotaxy of gonapophysis. Because Stach named Flix as the type locality for C. ancorata, the specimens from La Pobla de Segur are here described as a new species, named C. ilerdensis sp. n.
Soil remains among one of the least explored ecosystems on this planed in terms of biodiversity. Though overall, soil is considered to host approximately two thirds of terrestrial taxa, the actual numbers of species are far from being comprehensive and accurate (FAO, 2020). Even with the exploding integration of molecular approaches into the modern taxonomic routine, lists of belowground species grow every year. With this our understanding of the functional complexity and redundancy of soil food webs also increases. Thus, excellence in taxonomic knowledge contributes to better understanding our soil and their true value. With this respect Soil Organisms Journal is honored to present this special issue, which hosted soil animal taxonomy-related contributions presented at XIX International Colloquium on Soil Zoology (ICSZ) and the XVI International Colloquium of Apterygota (ICA) in 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa - one of the world’s most picturesque cities, guarded over by Table Mountain and bordered by two oceans (Fig. 1). Discussion at both events centered around soil biodiversity and its functions across mountains and plains in agricultural and pristine soils at the face of the Global Change. The special emphasis was given to the increasing need in the deeper taxonomic knowledge of soil fauna and relevant conservation measures to keep our soils full of life and sustainable.
For most people, the world of soil organisms is an unknown realm of darkness and decay, not, as soil ecologists know, a lively place filled with majestic animal and microbial life. Macrophotographers, Andy Murray and Frank Ashwood aim to change this apathy, even distaste, into joy, wonder, and, foremost, a motivation to protect soil biodiversity. Murray and Ashwood explain how they each have made their individual journeys through the fantastical world of macrophotography of soil organisms, what motivates their work, and their process. Their hope is to inspire others to visit their own backyards and natural spaces to visualize soil fauna themselves. Through their imagery, Murray and Ashwood not only to raise awareness of the vast diversity of soil life but encourage the love of mesofauna and its protection through conservation of soils. build collaborative and monitoring systems that remain robust and effective despite political volatility?
Soil contains a high level of biodiversity, estimated at around 60 % of known terrestrial life. Yet life in the soil is largely unknown by non-specialists: a case in point are springtails (Collembola), millimetric hexapods whose abundance can be tens of thousands of individuals per square meter. This lack of knowledge can compromise soil conservation, despite this being increasingly urgent due to the detrimental impact of human activities. Since an emotional response – for example, to charismatic species – is known to be valuable for species conservation, this study aimed to evaluate the emotional perceptions (positive or negative, and low or strong intensity) of young adults when shown photographs of Collembola. Indeed, Collembola seemed a good candidate for a perception study regarding soil fauna as they are very common in most soils at all latitudes and altitudes. The results show that the morphology of the individuals presented was decisive, in particular a visible eye patch (the presence was perceived as positive, while absence was perceived as negative) and body shape (spherical was perceived as positive, while elongated was perceived as negative). The color of the taxon and the number of individuals in the photograph could also modulate the perception of the viewers: blue and green were perceived as positive, while more than two individuals in the photograph provoked negative emotions. The artistic choices made in the photographs, such as background color, also had a significant influence on emotions. These results are of interest for education and outreach efforts on soil biodiversity; this pilot study with young adults and Collembola could help inform future communication campaigns for soil conservation.
The Afrotropical Scopaeus paludicola species group (Staphylinidae: Paederinae: Lathrobiini) is defined and described. It comprises S. jeanneli Levasseur, 1981 from Kenya and the South African S. insidiosus Fagel, 1973, S. ludificatus Fagel, 1973, S. nigerrimus Cameron, 1945, S. paludicola Cameron, 1945, and S. transvaalensis Fagel, 1973, which are redescribed, and five new species from the Republic of South Africa: S. bikoi sp. nov., S. capensis sp. nov., S. endrodyi sp. nov., S. rectiphallatus sp. nov., S. uhligorum sp. nov.. Lectotypes are designated for S. paludicola Cameron, 1945 and S. p. pallipes Cameron, 1945. The doubtful synonymy of these taxa is discussed. An identification key for the S. paludicola species group is presented, and its distribution is mapped. The S. paludicola species group differs from the current definition of Scopaeus in some characters, but it belongs to the genus according to the presence of the metathoracic/mesofemoral stridulum. The presence of a ventrolongitudinal, membranous split of the aedeagus is considered a derived character of the species group. A midlongitudinal groove of the mesobasisternum is apomorphic for the S. paludicola lineage from southern Africa, which comprises most species of the group. The S. paludicola species group is considered to be a basal lineage of Scopaeus, because it shares ancestral genital characters of the Scopaeina, such as a dorsally membranous aedeagus with a proximal median foramen and a simple sperm pump without the characteristic appendage of the chamber segment of most Scopaeus. Based on the newly recognized characters of the S. paludicola species group and other Scopaeus species, a revised hypothesis on the basal phylogeny of the genus is presented.
Urban soil biodiversity sustains critical ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and plant growth, while also supporting human health through pathogen suppression, soil remediation, and human immune system training. Yet, the distribution of urban soil biodiversity and its dependence on the influencing city-specific factors, such as economic development (e.g., GDP, Human Development Index), population density, and effects of climate change remain poorly understood. To bridge this research gap, we propose a global initiative applying environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to classify, map and better understand urban soil biodiversity and uncover its environmental drivers. We introduce a sampling and analysis protocol that facilitates the integration of global urban soil biodiversity data using eDNA analysis (acronym: Global-USB). We aim to build and grow a global network of researchers who contribute and analyze urban soil biodiversity data in a standardized way. This initiative will assess the impacts of urban land use and development on soil biota to gain insights into subsequent feedback effects on ecosystem functions and human well-being. By creating new and integrating established global datasets, this effort aims to generate actionable scientific insights to inform sustainable urban planning and policy, contributing to cities that support both ecological integrity and human well-being.
The foundational role that soils play in sustaining terrestrial ecosystems is unequivocal: soils harbor an astonishing diversity of life (Anthony et al. 2023) that underpins nutrient cycling, water regulation, food production, climate regulation, and myriad ecosystem services essential to human well-being and planetary health (Eisenhauer et al. 2026). Yet, while soil biodiversity arguably comprises one of the largest reservoirs of biological diversity on Earth, it remains chronically under-represented in global policy and conservation frameworks despite growing scientific evidence of its ecological importance (Guerra et al. 2021). In this context, recent geopolitical developments described in a Nature News report (20 January 2026; Castelvecchi & Masood 2026) — in which the United States announced its intention to withdraw from 66 international organizations, including key scientific and environmental bodies — carry profound implications for the global science infrastructure that supports research on soil biodiversity and its conservation. At the same time, other regions are moving in the opposite direction. The Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience („Soil Monitoring Law“) by the European Union signals an emerging model in which soil biodiversity monitoring becomes embedded in binding regulatory frameworks. This contrast underscores a central question for the soil biodiversity community: how can we build collaborative and monitoring systems that remain robust and effective despite political volatility?
A taxonomic revision of the Palaearctic members of the Formica cinerea, F. subpilosa and F. rufibarbis species groups is provided under application of Numeric Morphology-Based Alpha-Taxonomy. Twentyfour numerically described phenotypic characters were investigated in 1,482 nest samples with 5,237 worker ants. The recorded characters included one size indicator, eleven shape variables, ten seta characters and two pigmentation characters – resulting in about 105,000 primary data. The three species groups were delimited on the basis of eight shape and one seta character. Species hypotheses were formed by exploratory data analyses which were then tested by linear discriminant analyses. The revision considered 54 Palaearctic taxa and recognized 31 valid species, 1 subspecies, 16 synonyms and 6 incertae sedis. Six species were described as new: Formica iranica n.sp., F. kirgisica n.sp. and F. superpilosa n.sp. as members of the F. subpilosa group and F. himalayensis n.sp. and F. gebaueri n.sp. as members of the F. rufibarbis group. The newly described Formica lhasaensis n.sp. from Tibet and F. rufolucida Collingwood 1962 cannot be allocated to one of the focal species groups and belong to other clades. Formica torrentium Bernard 1967, F. tombeuri Bondroit 1917, F. sinae Emery 1925 and F. lusatica Seifert 1997 were raised to species rank. Formica decipiens Bondroit 1918 is shown as junior synonym of F. tombeuri Bondroit 1917 and F. cinerea italica Finzi 1928 as junior synonym of F. fuscocinerea Forel 1874. Subclusters indicated by exploratory data analyses within the main clusters of Formica cunicularia Latreille 1798 and F. subpilosa Ruzky 1902 were considered as intraspecific polymorphism. A determination key for the whole Palaearctic range is provided. Z-stack images in standard viewing positions are given for all newly described species. Interspecific hybridization is shown between Formica cinerea Mayr 1853 and F. selysi Bondroit 1918 locally in the Alps and between F. cinerea and F. balcanina Petrov & Collingwood 1993 in a hybrid zone in Romania.
Six new species of the genus Stenus Latreille, 1797 are described from the Philippines: Stenus martinae spec. nov. (Mindanao, Samar), Stenus bivestis spec. nov. (Mindanao), Stenus pseudofractophallus spec. nov. (Mindanao), Stenus uwei spec. nov. (Mindanao: Mt. Hamiguitan), Stenus torrenticola spec. nov. (Mindanao: Mt. Hamiguitan) and Stenus pumicatus spec. nov. (Mindanao: Mt. Candalaga). New distribution data and a new island record are published for the Philippine species Stenus nobilis Bernhauer, 1926.
We investigated microarthropod communities associated with 20 mushroom species in Northwestern Patagonia, including both edible and toxic fungi. Our study examined whether hymenophore structure (lamellar vs. tubular) and edibility or toxicity influence microarthropods abundance, richness, and diversity. Over 65,000 individuals were collected, representing 98 species. Collembola and Oribatida were identified to species level. Mushrooms with lamellar hymenophores supported higher total abundance and greater Diptera richness and diversity, while tubular fungi harbored significantly more Acari. Contrary to our initial expectation, the toxic species Amanita muscaria, exhibited high diversity. These findings highlight the role of mushrooms as ecological hubs for arthropod diversity, regardless of their edibility our results provide new insights into the role of fungal traits in structuring microarthropod assemblages and suggest avenues for further research on fungal–arthropod networks in temperate forests.
Earthworms are key soil organisms used as bioindicators of soil health and in population dynamics modeling approaches in soil ecology and ecotoxicology. However, very little is known about the effects of environmental conditions on their life history traits such as their life span, growth and reproductive capabilities on long terms. The aim of this study was to bring new data and knowledge on the effects of different conditions of food resource and earthworm density on life history traits (i.e., survival, growth, reproduction) of Aporrectodea caliginosa individuals during a 8-year laboratory experiment conducted in France. For that, a cohort of 20 hatchlings A. caliginosa were synchronized from a breeding culture, fed with normal food conditions or ad libitum (three times the normal food conditions) and monitored individually once a month. Once adults, they were kept isolated or pooled at different densities. Individual weight and cocoons were assessed every 14 days the first year and then once a month. We here highlighted that the lifespan of A. caliginosa can exceed 8 years under laboratory conditions. We also put evidence on a longer life span of individuals pooled with congeners among those kept isolated. An individual kept alone and fed ad libitum from its birth kept growing continuously, with individuals reaching 10 times the regular body mass known for A. caliginosa. Pooled earthworms stopped growing and allocate their energy to reproduction. Pooled or isolated, individual body mass of earthworms was found to be a precise proxy of the amount of organic matter in the soil. These data on earthworms’ biology and ecology can have implications in life cycle modelling and functional ecology.
Terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscidea), commonly known as woodlice, are among the most recognisable soil-dwelling invertebrates and are crucial for soil functioning. They are widely distributed from temperate to equatorial ecosystems, and their distribution is strongly influenced by environmental factors, such as soil type, temperature and humidity. Terrestrial isopods have fascinated taxonomists for centuries, with over 4,100 described species across 568 genera and 38 or 39 families. These animals contribute significantly to key ecosystem processes, such as litter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. However, data on patterns of their diversity, abundance, or biomass, which are crucial for assessing their importance in ecosystem functioning worldwide, are lacking. This is partly due to the incomplete taxonomy in regions such as the tropics and the scattered nature of local georeferenced datasets. To better understand the global taxonomic patterns, species distributions, and functional roles of terrestrial isopods, we call for the compilation of a comprehensive global database that integrates taxonomy, georeferenced species records, and trait data. This database would help answer fundamental questions about the response of terrestrial isopods to environmental changes and their role in ecosystem functioning and soil health. OniscidBase, a recently launched initiative, aims to consolidate such data, facilitating the analysis of taxonomic gaps and assessing the distribution and functional importance of terrestrial isopods. The database aims to include georeferenced data on the distribution, abundance and biomass of terrestrial isopod species, and metadata on environmental parameters. Our main goals are to strengthen the taxonomic backbone for terrestrial isopods, make distribution data available for macroecological studies, and collect trait data to understand species responses to environmental changes and effects on soils. Using these data leads to a deeper understanding of the importance of terrestrial isopods as components of terrestrial ecosystems and, at the same time, highlights future research directions.
Molecular-genetic analysis of two cryptic lineages (L1 and L2) of the parthenogenetic springtail Parisotoma notabilis revealed contrasting dispersal patterns across the Holarctic region. Our study demonstrated that lineage L1 is characterized by a “star-like” haplotype network with a dominant global haplotype L1α, low genetic diversity, expansion across Western Eurasia and association with disturbed habitats. In contrast, lineage L2 displays a complex “web-like” haplotype network, high genetic diversity and preference for natural forest ecosystems. These findings suggest distinct evolutionary histories of cryptic lineages within a single species, which likely were shaped by their ecological divergence.
As popular soil health indicators, earthworms play a role in soil assessments, especially when it comes to salinity. Salinity influences soil chemistry, structure, hydrology, and biological activity. To better understand the response of Aporrectodea earthworms to salinity, we conducted experiments in captive mesocosms that ranged in salinity (EC1:1 = 1 – 4.5 dS/m) and organic matter content (3.4% - 10%), and split-bin mesocosms that offered earthworms contrasting combinations of salt and organic matter levels. We observed that in captive situations, adult Aporrectodea earthworms survived in soils at all salinity and organic matter levels for 60 days. When mobility was allowed, adult Aporrectodea earthworms occurred in higher abundance in non-saline soils compared to saline soils, and elevated organic matter only alleviated the aversion to salinity when the alternative soil had less organic matter content. Based on these experiments, we conclude that earthworms prefer to reside in high organic matter, non-saline soils and prefer to avoid saline soils unless they are augmented with organic matter. The utility of earthworms as soil health indicators in a salinity context depends on their ability to select and move into more favorable environments, rather than their tolerance to salt ions.
Soil fauna are actively involved in essential ecosystem functions, including the decomposition of organic matter and mineralization of nutrients. This study was part of a long-term study on the effects of different land uses and ambient conditions on the soil biota of the Mahafaly Plateau in southwestern Madagascar. We used bait-lamina tests and litter bags to assess the feeding activity of the soil fauna and decomposition rates. Five villages in the Coastal Plain and five villages on the plateau were selected to study soil faunal functions between the different local land use systems along the transect Coastal Plain- Plateau gradient. For each village, nine land use classes were selected. The results showed that feeding activity was high from 8 to 10 cm depth. Significant differences in bait lamina perforations were observed between the dry and wet seasons. The feeding activity of soil fauna was more significant in the Coastal Plain. Litter decomposition was more intense on the plateau. Maximum feeding activity and litter decomposition were observed in the new crop plots.
