臺灣 Ptenothrix 屬跳蟲（彈尾綱）之多樣性

Abstract

跳蟲屬於彈尾綱 (Collembola) ，是廣泛分布全球的小型節肢動物，已知的物種有約 9,400 種，預估多樣性則至少高達 50,000 種。牠們的棲地類型十分廣泛，包括土壤、植被、沙漠、冰河和洞穴等。跳蟲在土壤生態系中扮演十分重要的角色，參與枯落物分解、養分循環、和微生物的交互作用，同時是掠食性節肢動物的食物資源。儘管跳蟲有驚人的多樣性並提供許多生態功能，我們對於臺灣跳蟲的了解卻十分有限。本研究首先回顧臺灣跳蟲相關的文獻以統整已知的多樣性，做為未來跳蟲多樣性與生態學研究的基礎。接著透過檢視形態和分子分析探討臺灣偽圓跳蟲科 (Dicyrtomidae, Symphypleona) 的物種多樣性，並進一步討論Ptenothrix 屬跳蟲種內形態變異、隱蔽種多樣性、分子分群與傳統形態分類的不一致以及新種等議題。最後，本研究詳細描述了 Ptenothrix 屬一個潛在新種的形態，並提出未來 Ptenothrix 屬跳蟲研究的展望。

Springtails belong to the class Collembola and are small arthropods widely distributed around the world. Approximately 9,400 species of springtails have been described, with estimates of diversity at least 50,000 species. They inhabit a wide range of ecosystems, including soil, vegetation, deserts, glaciers, caves, etc. Springtails play a crucial role in soil ecosystems, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and regulating microorganisms. They also serve as food resources for predatory arthropods. Despite their remarkable diversity and ecological significance, our understanding of springtails in Taiwan is limited. In this study, I first reviewed existing research related to Taiwanese springtails to compile knowledge of their diversity, serving as a foundation for future research on springtail diversity and ecology. Next, I investigated the species diversity within the family Dicyrtomidae (Symphypleona) using morphological and molecular analyses, and discussed topics such as morphological variation within Ptenothrix species, cryptic species diversity, inconsistencies between molecular and morphological identifications, and the discovery of new species. Finally, I described the morphology of a potential new species within the genus Ptenothrix and outlined prospects for future research on Ptenothrix springtails.