Rafting in the Antarctic springtail, Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni

• Published in: Antarctic Science
• Main Author: Hawes, T.C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2011
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctic Science; Antarctic Springtail; Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni; Sea ice; Mite; Springtail
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0954102011000307; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0954102011000307

Abstract Capture by water surfaces is a frequent but stochastic phenomenon for Antarctic collembolans (springtails), with implications for both the survival and dispersal of populations. This paper provides the first field description of the characteristics of rafting aggregations of the springtail Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni and provides the first observation of the inclusion of the mite, Stereotydeus mollis , within these aggregations. Field observations of aggregations in meltwater pools are used to develop a picture of the ecological implications of rafting for Antarctic springtails. The potential for marine capture was also demonstrated by additional observations of two springtails aerially deposited on to sea ice as well as springtails floating in the tidewater cracks between the sea ice and land.