A morphometric analysis of mandibular teeth in Folsomia (Collembola: Isotomidae)

Morphological variation in the apical mandibular teeth of seven Folsomia species (F. bisetosa, F. brevicauda, F. Candida, F. fimentaria, F. inoculata, F. penicula , and F. quadrioculata) was examined by canonical variates analysis of a systematic 'truss' of measurements. Differences were found between all but two species (F. brevicauda and F. quadrioculata) showing that the morphology of 'biting-type' mouthparts can be used for species recognition. The results also show that the truss system of measurement is sensitive to small-scale differences in the mandible morphology of these insects. It is suggested that variation in mouthpart morphology, and in patterns of tooth wear, reflect differences in the feeding behaviour of Folsomia species.