Three Bizarre Springtail Species Discovered

[Hasina]

Bizarre Insectlike Creatures Discovered in Spanish Cave

Three bizarre-looking springtails, tiny insect-like creatures, have been discovered in a Spanish cave. The three species are very different from one another and have been namedPygmarrhopalites maestrazgoensis, P. cantavetulae and Oncopodura fadriquei.

Springtails are amongst the most ancient and widespread animals. Like insects they have six legs, but are small, more primitive and lack wings. They usually have a furca, or a tail used to spring away from danger, hence the name "springtails." Many cannot be seen with the naked eye; the largest species is about 0.24 inches long (6 millimeters).

These new species have these springy tails and hairy, tiny bodies, resembling Lilliputian monsters. One of them, O. fadriquei, lacks eyes.

Source: http://www.livescien...ails-found.html

Edited November 29, 2012 by Hasina

[CuriousGreek]

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