Collembola (Arthropoda, Hexapoda) Associated to Terrestrial Green Algae from Ice-Free Areas in Admiralty Bay (King George Island, South Shetlands Islands, Antarctica)

Abstract

: Two species of Collembola were identifi ed associated to the terrestrial green algae Prasiola crispa of ice-free areas near penguin rookeries at Polish Antarctic Station Henryk Arctowski, Admiralty Bay. Cryptopygus antarcticus and Friesea grisea are Collembola species frequently recorded for the Antarctic region, although some discrepancies were observed regarding the morphological characteristics of F. grisea specimens collected in this study. However, more specimens should be collected in other areas of Admiralty Bay and analyzed to confi rm this diagnosis. Th us, this research can contribute to the knowledge of the biodiversity of Collembola in the region, particularly in Admiralty Bay, which is an Antarctic Specially Managed Area.