taxonID	type	description	language	source
0C0C6C18FFBEFF8B7C43FE2AFABAFC10.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 32125530 - 4756 - 461 A- 8102 - B 42 D 30 F 60 B 70 Figs 1 A – C, 2 – 3, 8, Tables 1 – 2	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBEFF8B7C43FE2AFABAFC10.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Megalothorax calvignacensis sp. nov. belongs to the minimus - group (Schneider & D’Haese 2013). The peculiar feature of this species is the black-grey colour of the body, common in the incertus - group (M. nigropunctatus Schneider & D’Haese, 2013, M. perspicillum Schneider & D’Haese, 2013), but firstly seen in the minimus - group. Although the new species is morphologically similar to several species of the genus – namely M. granulosus Schneider & D’Haese, 2013, M. minimus Willem, 1900 sensu Schneider & D’Haese, 2013, M. willemi Schneider & D’Haese, 2013, it exhibits several distinctive features. In chaetotaxy, M. calvignacensis sp. nov. resembles M. granulosus, apart from the absence of chaetae β 1, γ 2, η 4 (vs their presence in M. granulosus). In addition, the second pair of dorsal globular sensilla s 3 is present in M. calvignacensis (vs absent in M. granulosus). Both species have a smooth mucro, 2 + 2 chaetae on the manubrium, an unpaired chaeta a 0 on forehead and flame-shaped inner sensilla. Megalothorax calvignacensis sp. nov. is similar to M. minimus by its smooth mucro, an unpaired chaeta a 0 and similar chaetotaxy. In M. calvignacensis present chaeta ζ 1 (vs absent in M. minimus), but in M. calvignacensis absent chaeta β 1 (vs present in M. minimus). In addition, M. calvignacensis has flame-shaped inner sensilla (vs T-shaped in M. minimus). Adult specimens can be easily recognized from M. minimus by the pigmentation, orange in M. minimus (Fig. 1 B, D – E). With another widespread species, M. willemi, the new species shares the presence of flame-shaped inner sensilla, smooth mucro, an unpaired chaeta a 0 and similar chaetotaxy. However, in M. calvignacensis sp. nov. the chaeta β 1 is absent (vs present in M. willemi) and the chaeta ζ 1 is present (vs absent in M. willemi); and M. willemi lacks pigmentation.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBEFF8B7C43FE2AFABAFC10.taxon	etymology	Etymology Megalothorax calvignacensis sp. nov. is named after its type locality, the commune of Calvignac.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBEFF8B7C43FE2AFABAFC10.taxon	materials_examined	Type material Holotype FRANCE • 1 ♀; Lot, Calvignac, mosses on rock face; 1.78475 ° E, 44.46041 ° N; 178 m a. s. l.; 25 Dec. 2023; Guy Bariviéra leg.; sample code nos 46 - Q 23 - 086, SMNG, slide no. SMNG-APT-AA 04651. Paratypes (9 ♀♀) FRANCE • 5 ♀♀; Lot, Calvignac, mosses on rock face; 1.78475 ° E, 44.46041 ° N; 178 m a. s. l.; 25 Dec. 2023; Guy Bariviéra leg.; Apterygota collection SMNG, slides nos SMNG-APT-AA 04652 to SMNG-APT-AA 04655, tube no. SMNG-APT-EA- 003 - 001 • 2 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; MSPU, slides nos LD 46 - Q 23 - 086 - A, LD 46 - Q 23 - 086 - B • 2 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; MNHN, slides nos 46 - Q 23 - 086 A, 46 - Q 23 - 086 B. Other material examined FRANCE • 6 specs in ethanol; Lot, Calvignac, mosses on rock face; 1.78475 ° E, 44.46041 ° N; 178 m a. s. l.; 25 Dec. 2023; Guy Bariviéra leg.; Apterygota collection SMNG, tube no. SMNG-APT-EA- 003 - 001 • several specs in ethanol; same data as for preceding; MNHN.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBEFF8B7C43FE2AFABAFC10.taxon	description	Description GENERAL ASPECT. Habitus and segmentation typical of the genus. Body length up to 500 µm. Specimens grey in alcohol (Fig. 1 A – C). General chaetotaxy typical of the genus, trichobothria not studied. All chaetae ordinary, not lanceolate. INTEGUMENT. Secondary granulation made of the usual dorsal rough granule. Integumentary channels extending laterally and dorsally in anterior and posterior parts of head. Anterior canal branching. Channels connection with linea ventralis roundabout-like. SENSORY FIELDS AND WAX RODS (Fig. 2 A). Sensory fields (sf 1 – 6) and their inner sensilla, as well as wax rod crypts wrc 1 – 7 with typical distribution of the genus. All inner sensilla of sensory fields are flame-shaped, the inner sensilla of sf 2 broad. MOUTHPARTS. Labrum as typical of the genus (Fig. 2 C). Chaetae a 1 pointing inward, with two teeth. Chaetae a 2 with two small teeth. Labium with 4 + 4 proximal chaetae (Fig. 2 D). Basomedian field with 3 + 3 chaetae. Labial palp (Fig. 2 D) typical of the genus (A, B, C, D, E, b 1, b 2, d 1, d 2, 2 e, H, h 1, h 2). Oral fold and maxillary outer lobe typical of the genus, without sublobal hair (Fig. 2 E). Maxillary head without strong modification. Mandibula ordinary (Fig. 2 F). Head chaetotaxy. Forehead chaetotaxy as on Fig. 2 B. Clypeal-labral formula: a 0; 2, 4, 5, 4, 5, 4. Chaeta a 0 present. Dorsal posterior area with 18 ordinary chaetae (Fig. 2 B). Ventral side with three pairs of post-labial chaetae. Trend for posterior chaetae to be longer and stronger than anterior chaetae. ANTENNAL CHAETOTAXY (Fig. 3 A – B). Ant. I and II with one and four chaetae, respectively. Ant. III with seven chaetae and two long S-chaetae (S 1 and S 4). Striations of Ant III sensory organ short sensilla (S 2 and S 3) distinguishable in light microscopy. Ant. IV with seven chaetae (X-chaeta present) and ten S-chaetae. Sensory organ with Sx, Sy, Or, a, Sa. Organite (Or) of Ant IV short, seems apically flared. Summary on antennal chaetotaxy provided in Table 1. BODY CHAETOTAXY. Th. II with 12 + 12 chaetae, 1 + 1 tubular and curved s 1 - sensilla (Fig. 2 A). All chaetae ordinary. Th. III with 10 + 10 chaetae (some chaetae more lanceolate), 6 + 6 free wax-rods (wrc 1 – 6). Chaeta a 6 is longer and stronger than chaeta a 5. Abd I – V terga with 20 + 20 ordinary chaetae, with 1 + 1 wrc (wrc 7 ordinary), 1 + 1 globular sensilla s 2 (Fig. 2 A). Sensilla s 3 absent. LEGS CHAETOTAXY. Typical of the genus (Table 2), consisting of ordinary chaetae of variable size (Fig. 3 C – E). CLAWS. Claw III bulkier than claw I and II. Claws subequal in unguis length (with a trend as unguis I> unguis II> unguis III). Unguis basal and posterior auxiliary lamellae well developed (Fig. 3 C – E). Unguiculus 0.5 – 0.6 as long as unguis. ABD. IV STERNUM AND FURCA. Abd. IV sternum with 2 + 2 neosminthuroid chaetae and 2 + 2 chaetae. Manubrium with 2 + 2 posterior chaetae and 1 + 1 pegs with convex tip articulated with a corresponding concavity of the dens (Fig. 3 G). Proximal subsegment of dens with a posterior chaeta (Fig. 3 G); distal subsegment posteriorly with two basal spines and one chaeta at the middle. Anterior side of dens with five apical spines, spines without elongated apex (Fig. 3 G). Dens ordinary, as in Fig. 3 G. Mucro smooth, without teeth (Fig. 3 G). ABD. VI: ordinary with nine dorsal chaetae; each anal valve with a chaeta. Mature females with 8 + 8 ventral chaetae each anal valve with a chaeta av and several granular crests; mature females with 6 + 6 to 8 + 8 ventral chaetae. Genital plate: female with 2 + 2 chaetae. Male unknown. TENACULUM AND VENTRAL TUBE. Tenaculum with 3 + 3 hook-like teeth (Fig. 3 F). Ventral tube bulky with two apical pairs of chaetae.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBEFF8B7C43FE2AFABAFC10.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology So far known only from the type locality, where it co-exists with M. minimus.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBEFF8B7C43FE2AFABAFC10.taxon	description	Molecular data One topotype specimen sequenced (sample code 46 - Q 23 - 086), BOLD process id CSCOL 002 - 25.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBAFF877C33FC0CFDEFFA11.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: DC 2 D 90 F 0 - 4 C 71 - 426 E- 9 D 20 - 466 D 80 EAA 45 A Figs 1 E, 4 – 5, 8, Tables 1 – 2	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBAFF877C33FC0CFDEFFA11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Megalothorax cellarincola sp. nov. can be attributed to the incertus - group in understanding of Schneider & D’Haese (2013). The new species shows all characters of this group: Abd IV sternum with 3 + 3 chaetae, inner sensilla of sensory fields globular, retinaculum with 4 + 4 teeth, connection of channels with linea ventralis crossed on the head, abdomen with 2 + 2 globular sensilla (s 2, s 3), basomedian fields of labium with 4 + 4 chaetae. Characters of M. cellarincola are the presence of s 3 sensilla, globular inner sensilla and serrated mucro. Another unique character is the presence of strong lanceolate chaetae on the back of the head and almost all over the body (in other species only the setae of the back of the head are thickened and lanceolate in shape). In chaetotaxy, the new species resembles M. laevis Schneider et al., 2018, apart from the absence (vs presence in M. laevis) chaetae β 3 and ζ 4 on abdomen. In addition, M. cellarincola sp. nov. has chaeta β 2 (absent in M. laevis) and serrated mucro (vs smooth in M. laevis). Megalothorax cellarincola is similar in chaetotaxy to M. perspicillum Schneider et al., 2013, excepting the presence of chaeta β 1 (vs its absence in M. perspicillum) and the absence of cuticular channels on the body (vs its presence in M. perspicillum). The widespread species M. incertus differs from the new species by the absence of chaeta a 3 on thorax II (vs its presence in M. cellarincola). Of the incompletely described species, the new species can be compared with M. interruptus Hüther, 1967 from Sudan, which is also closely related to M. laevis. In addition to the strong lanceolate chaetae on the back of the head and almost all over the body, M. cellarincola sp. nov. differs from M. interruptus in the serrated mucro (vs smooth mucro in M. interruptus) and 4 + 4 teeth on retinaculum (vs 3 + 3 in M. interruptus).	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBAFF877C33FC0CFDEFFA11.taxon	etymology	Etymology The name is formed from the late latin ‘ cellārium ’ (‘ storeroom’) and ‘ incola ’ (‘ inhabitant’) and refers to the known habitat of this species.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBAFF877C33FC0CFDEFFA11.taxon	materials_examined	Type material Holotype FRANCE • 1 ♀; Puy-de-Dôme, Clermont-Ferrand, Centre Ancient district; 3.084 ° E, 45.778 ° N (visited basements were within a 500 m radius of given geocoordinates); 19 Oct. 2014; Schneider leg.; underground basement, dry to humid soil, in some places with bait (pieces of vegetables); SMNG, sample code no. CS. 017. FR, slide no. SMNG-APT-AA 04656. Paratypes (9 ♀♀, 1 ♂ and 3 juvs) FRANCE • 6 ♀♀; Puy-de-Dôme, Clermont-Ferrand, Centre Ancient district; 3.084 ° E, 45.778 ° N (visited basements were within a 500 m radius of given geocoordinates); 19 Oct. 2014; Schneider leg.; underground basement, dry to humid soil, in some places with bait (pieces of vegetables) Apterygota collection SMNG, slides nos SMNG-APT-AA 04657 to 62 • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; Apterygota collection SMNG, slide no. SMNG-APT-AA 04663 • 3 juvs; same data as for preceding; Apterygota collection SMNG, slides nos SMNG-APT-AA 04664 to 66 • 3 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; MPSU, slides nos CS. 17. FR- 67, CS. 016. FR- 60, CS. 018. FR- 73. Other material FRANCE • some specs kept in ethanol, number unknown due to possible ambiguity with co-occurring young M. minimus; same data as for holotype • several specs in ethanol, number unknown due to possible ambiguity with co-occurring young M. minimus; same data as for holotype; Apterygota collection SMNG, tubes no. SMNG-APT-EA- 003 - 002 – 004.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBAFF877C33FC0CFDEFFA11.taxon	description	Description GENERAL ASPECT. Habitus and segmentation typical of the genus. Body length up to 300 µm. Specimens whitish in alcohol (Fig. 1 E). General chaetotaxy typical of the genus, trichobothria not studied. Most chaetae lanceolate on body, but some are of ordinary morphology. INTEGUMENT. Secondary granulation made of the usual dorsal rough granules. Integumentary channels extending laterally and dorsally in anterior and posterior parts of head. Anterior canal making the full circle around the head, branching near chaeta pr. a. (Fig. 4 B). Channels connection with linea ventralis crossed. SENSORY FIELDS AND WAX RODS (Fig. 4 A – B). Sensory fields (sf 1 – 6) and their inner sensilla, as well as wax rods wrc 1 – 7 with typical distribution for the genus. All inner sensilla of sensory fields are globular. MOUTHPARTS. Labrum as typical of the incertus - group with tips of a 1 - chaetae pointing forward (Fig. 4 C). Chaetae a 1 with three external teeth. Chaetae a 2 with one small external tooth. Labium with 4 + 4 proximal chaetae (Fig. 4 D). Basomedian field with 3 + 3 chaetae. Labial palp (Fig. 4 D), as common for the genus (A, B, C, D, E, b 1, b 2, d 1, d 2, 2 e, H, h 1, h 2). Oral fold and maxillary outer lobe as typical of the genus, with one sublobal hair (Fig. 4 E). Maxillary head without strong modification. Mandibula ordinary (Fig. 4 F). HEAD CHAETOTAXY. Forehead chaetotaxy as on Fig. 4 B. Clypeal-labral formula: a 0; 2, 4, 5, 4, 5, 4. Chaeta a 0 present. Dorsal posterior area with 18 strong lanceolate chaetae (Fig. 4 B). Posterior chaetae lanceolate, longer and stronger than anterior chaetae. Ventral side with three pairs of post-labial chaetae. ANTENNAL CHAETOTAXY (Fig. 5 A – B). Ant. I and II with one and four chaetae, respectively. Ant. III with eight chaetae and two long S-chaetae (S 1 and S 4). Striations of Ant III sensory organ short sensilla (S 2 and S 3) distinguishable in light microscopy. Ant. IV with six chaetae (including X-chaeta) and ten S-chaetae. Sensory organ with Sx, Sy, Or, a, Sa. Organite (Or) of Ant IV short, seems apically flared. Summary on antennal chaetotaxy provided in Table 1. BODY CHAETOTAXY. Th. II with 12 + 12 chaetae, 1 + 1 tubular and curved s 1 - sensilla (Fig. 4 A). Chaetae a 1, a 4, p 1, p 2 and p 4 longer and stronger than other, lanceolate. Th. III with 10 + 10 chaetae (some chaetae more lanceolate), 6 + 6 free wax-rods (wrc 1 – 6). Chaeta a 5 is longer and stronger than chaeta a 6. Abd I – V terga with 17 + 17 ordinary chaetae (some chaetae around sf 6 longer and lanceolate), with 1 + 1 wrc (wrc 7 ordinary), 2 + 2 globular sensilla s 2 and s 3 (Fig. 4 A). Sensilla s 3 bigger than s 2. LEGS CHAETOTAXY. Typical of the genus (Table 2), consisting of ordinary chaetae of variable size (Fig. 5 C – E). CLAWS. Claw III bulkier than claw I and II. Claws subequal in unguis length (with a trend as unguis I> unguis II> unguis III). Unguis basal and posterior auxiliary lamellae (la, lp and Bp) well developed (Fig. 5 C – E). Unguiculus 0.5 – 0.6 as long as unguis. ABD. IV STERNUM AND FURCA. Abd. IV sternum with 2 + 2 neosminthuroid chaetae and 2 + 2 chaetae. Manubrium with 1 + 1 posterior chaetae (Fig. 5 G). Proximal subsegment of dens with a posterior chaeta (Fig. 5 G); distal subsegment posteriorly with two basal spines and one chaeta at the middle. Anterior side of dens with five apical spines, spines ordinary without elongated apex (Fig. 5 G). Dens ordinary, as in Fig. 5 G. Mucro with thin lamellae, with ~ 8 teeth on each posterior lamella (Fig. 5 G). ABD. VI. Typical of the genus: with nine dorsal chaetae; each anal valve with a chaeta av and several granular crests; mature females with 6 + 6 to 8 + 8 ventral chaetae. Genital plate: female with 2 + 2 chaetae. Male genital plate not studied (preparation unsuitable). TENACULUM AND VENTRAL TUBE. Tenaculum with 4 + 4 hook-like teeth (Fig. 5 F). Ventral tube bulky with two apical pairs of chaetae.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBAFF877C33FC0CFDEFFA11.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology Megalothorax cellarincola sp. nov. is so far only known from its type locality, where it coexists with M. minimus. It is an inhabitant of man-made subterranean habitats, similarly to Megalothorax sanctistephani Christian, 1998.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFBAFF877C33FC0CFDEFFA11.taxon	description	Molecular data Two topotype specimens sequenced (sample code CS. 17. FR and CS. 16. FR), BOLD process id CSCOL 003 - 25 and CSCOL 004 - 25.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFB6FF9C7C2DFA0FFB79FB55.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 491 D 0472 - F 156 - 4 FCA- 9 C 13 - 386 A 825 FFF 93 Figs 1 F, 6 – 8, Tables 1 – 2	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFB6FF9C7C2DFA0FFB79FB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Megalothorax poinsotae sp. nov. can be attributed to the incertus - group with the common character states combination: cross connection of head channels with linea ventralis, serrated mucro, presence of s 3 sensilla on abdomen, globular inner sensilla, 2 + 2 chaetae in the basolateral field of labium, 3 + 3 chaetae on Abd. IV sternites and 4 + 4 teeth on the retinaculum. This species is similar to M. cellarincola sp. nov. by the presence of strong lanceolate chaetae on the back of the head and some parts of the thorax. These species are distinguished by the chaetotaxy of the abdomen. In M. poinsotae sp. nov. chaetae p 4 and ε 1 are absent (vs present in M. cellarincola). In chaetotaxy, the new species resembles M. perspicillum, apart from the absence (vs presence in M. perspicillum) of chaeta β 3 and ε 1 on abdomen. In M. poinsotae sp. nov. cuticular channels on abdomen are absent (vs present in M. perspicillum). Megalothorax poinsotae sp. nov. also resembles M. laevis Schneider et al., 2018, apart from the absence (vs presence in M. laevis) of the chaetae p 4, β 3 and ε 1 on abdomen. In addition, M. poinsotae has chaeta β 2 present (vs absent in M. laevis) and serrated mucro (vs smooth mucro in M. laevis). The widespread M. incertus differs from the new species by the absence of chaeta a 3 on thorax II and chaeta ζ 4 on abdomen (vs present in M. poinsotae sp. nov.). The closely related species M. boerneri has a chaetotaxy similar to M. poinsotae, but the chaetae β 3, β 4 and ε 1 are absent in the new species (vs present in M. boerneri).	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFB6FF9C7C2DFA0FFB79FB55.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species is dedicated posthumously to Nicole Poinsot, for her work on the taxonomy and ecology of Collembola in Provence. Poinsot reported a so-called M. minimus (this species was ambiguously defined at the time) in the sansouire, an halophilous vegetal formation of Camargue (Poinsot 1975).	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFB6FF9C7C2DFA0FFB79FB55.taxon	materials_examined	Type material Holotype FRANCE • ♀; Var, Sainte-Maxime, plage de la Madrague, litter and algae among Salicornia L.; 6.65684 ° E, 43.31301 ° N; ca 1 m a. s. l.; 27 Jan. 2024; Deharveng and Bedos leg; SMNG, sample code no. 83 - 556, slide no. SMNG-APT-AA 04667. Paratypes (6 ♀♀) FRANCE • 2 ♀♀; Var, Sainte-Maxime, plage de la Madrague; 6.65684 ° E, 43.31301 ° N; ca 1 m a. s. l.; 27 Jan. 2024; Deharveng and Bedos leg; litter and algae among Salicornia L.; Apterygota collection SMNG, slides nos SMNG-APT-AA 04668 to 71 • 2 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; MPSU, slides nos 83 - 556 – spec 1, 83 - 556 – spec 2 • 2 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; MNHN, slides nos 83 - 556 A, 83 - 556 B. Other material FRANCE • several specs in ethanol; Var, Sainte-Maxime, plage de la Madrague, litter and algae among Salicornia L; 6.65684 ° E, 43.31301 ° N; ca 1 m a. s. l.; 27 Jan. 2024; Deharveng and Bedos leg; Apterygota collection SMNG, tubes no. SMNG-APT-EA- 003 - 005 • several specs in ethanol; same data as for preceding; MNHN.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFB6FF9C7C2DFA0FFB79FB55.taxon	description	Morphological description GENERAL ASPECT. Habitus and segmentation typical of the genus. Body length up to 400 µm. Specimens whitish in ethanol. Body chaetotaxy sparse including chaetae, s-chaetae, trichobothria, neosminthuroid chaetae, wax-rods and inner sensilla within sensory fields 2 – 6. Most of chaetae lanceolate on body, but some are of ordinary morphology. INTEGUMENT. Secondary granulation made of the usual dorsal rough granules. Integumentary channels not reaching the posterior part of the head, limited to short ventral channels forming a cross connection with the linea ventralis. SENSORY FIELDS AND WAX RODS (Fig. 6 A). Sensory fields (sf 1 – 6) and their inner sensilla, as well as wax rods wrc 1 – 7 with typical distribution of the genus. Inner sensilla of sf 2 broad flame-shaped, the other s are globular. MOUTHPARTS. Labrum as typical of the incertus - group with tips of a 1 - chaetae straightening up to point forward, a 1 with two small external teeth, a 2 external teeth imperceptible. LABIUM. With 4 + 4 proximal chaetae, basomedian fields with 3 + 3 chaetae, basolateral fields with 2 + 2 chaetae (Fig. 6 E). Labial palp (Fig. 6 E) as common for the genus (A, B, C, D, E, b 1, b 2, d 1, d 2, 2 e, H, h 1, h 2). Oral fold and maxillary outer lobe as typical of the genus, with two sublobal hair (Fig. 6 F). Maxillary head without strong modification (Fig. 6 C). Mandibula ordinary (Fig. 6 D). HEAD CHAETOTAXY. Forehead chaetotaxy as on Fig. 6 B. Clypeal-labral formula: a 0; 2, 4, 5, 4, 5, 4. Chaeta a 0 present. Dorsal posterior area with 18 ordinary chaetae (Fig. 6 B). Ventral side with three pairs of post-labial chaetae. Trend for posterior chaetae to be longer and stronger than anterior chaetae, including posterior lanceolate chaetae. ANTENNAL CHAETOTAXY (Fig. 7 A, B). Ant. I and II with one and four chaetae, respectively. Ant. III with nine chaetae and two long S-chaetae (S 1 and S 4). Striations of Ant III sensory organ short sensilla (S 2 and S 3) distinguishable in light microscopy. Ant. IV with five chaetae (X-chaeta present) and ten S-chaetae. Sensory organ with Sx, Sy, Or, a, Sa. Organite (Or) of Ant IV short, seems apically flared. Summary on antennal chaetotaxy provided in Table 1. BODY CHAETOTAXY. Chaetotaxy of thorax and abdomen reduced. Th. II with 12 + 12 chaetae, 1 + 1 tubular and curved s 1 - sensilla (Fig. 6 A). All chaetae ordinary. Th. III with 9 + 9 chaetae (chaeta p 4 absent) and 5 + 5 free wax-rods (wrc 2 absent). Chaeta a 5 is longer and stronger than chaeta a 6. Abd I – V terga with 17 + 17 ordinary chaetae (chaetae β 3, β 4, ε 1 absent) with 1 + 1 wrc (wrc 7 ordinary), 2 + 2 globular sensilla s 2 and s 3 (Fig. 6 A). Sensilla s 3 bigger than s 2. LEGS CHAETOTAXY. Typical of the genus (Table 2), consisting of ordinary chaetae of variable size (Fig. 7 C – E). CLAWS. Claw III bulkier than claw I and II. Claws subequal in unguis length (with a trend as unguis I> unguis II> unguis III). Unguis basal and posterior auxiliary lamellae well developed (Figs 7 C-E). Unguiculus 0.5 – 0.6 as long as unguis. ABD. IV STERNUM AND FURCa. Abd. IV sternum with 2 + 2 neosminthuroid chaetae and 2 + 2 chaetae. Manubrium with 1 + 1 posterior chaetae (Fig. 7 F). Proximal subsegment of dens with a posterior chaeta (Fig. 7 F); distal subsegment posteriorly with two basal spines and one chaeta at the middle. Anterior side of dens with five apical spines, spines without elongated apex (Fig. 7 F). Dens ordinary, as in Fig. 7 F. Mucro serrated (Fig. 7 F). ABD. VI. Typical of the genus: with nine dorsal chaetae; each anal valve with a chaeta. Mature females with 8 + 8 ventral chaetae. Genital plate: female with 2 + 2 chaetae. Male unknown. TENACULUM AND VENTRAL TUBE. Tenaculum with 4 + 4 hook-like teeth. Ventral tube bulky with two apical pairs of chaetae.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFB6FF9C7C2DFA0FFB79FB55.taxon	distribution	Distribution and ecology So far known only from the type locality, it is the first species of Megalothorax to be found in a true littoral habitat (Salicornetium). Three species of Collembola were present in the same sample with Megalothorax poinsotae sp. nov.: an Hypogastrura sp., and two typically littoral species of Isotomidae: Archisotoma sp. and Halisotoma sp.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
0C0C6C18FFB6FF9C7C2DFA0FFB79FB55.taxon	description	Molecular data One topotype specimen sequenced (sample code 83 - 556), BOLD process id CSCOL 001 - 25.	en	Panina, Ksenia, Bedos, Anne, Deharveng, Louis, Schneider, Clément (2026): Three new species of the genus Megalothorax (Collembola: Neelidae) from France. European Journal of Taxonomy 1034: 162-180, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3153, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3153/14041
