About Salina aurantiamaculata and Salina pseudomontana:
- Salina aurantiamaculata is named for its striking bright orange markings – an unusual pigment pattern among its peers.
- Its counterpart, Salina pseudomontana, looks very similar to the already known Salina montana.
- Both species belong to the cosmopolitan “celebensis” group of Collembola.
- The last time a Salina species was recorded in India was in 1979. After more than four decades, these two new additions bring the country’s tally to 17 species.
- What are Collembola Springtails?
- These are among the oldest land-dwelling hexapods on Earth, dating back hundreds of millions of years.
- They improve soil structure, aid nutrient cycling, and serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Their role, though often overlooked, is fundamental for the ecosystem.
- Habitat: They are found in leaf litter, decaying wood, and soil, they thrive quietly in habitats most of us overlook.
- Significance: Their abundance and sensitivity make them invaluable in monitoring pollution, climate change, and agricultural sustainability.
