Abstract ID: 3.13025 | Accepted as Poster | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Springtails are edaphic arthropods particularly linked to glacial habitat and to cold biomes in general; they are the only group, among Alpine arthropods, including cryophilic ice-dwelling species, i.e. adapted to survive only in direct contact to the glacial ice: the so called “glacier fleas”. Springtails are key components of glacier food webs, and their evolutionary history is strictly linked to the glacial history. Glacier fleas represent an important portion of biodiversity at risk of disappearing with the ongoing climate change and subsequent glacier disappearance. Despite their relevance, springtail diversity and distribution have been few considered until now and, due to the lack of information, their diversity is underestimated hindering conservation efforts. The first comprehensive description of ice-dwelling springtails of European Alps and Apennines through integrative taxonomy approach was presented (morphological identification supported by the use of two mitochondrial gene, cox1 and 16s). The intense sampling activity was supported also by the contributions of non-expert sampler (because of the easy sampling), like alpinist, that implemented the field activity. Five species new for science were identified and described on the Alps, together with the two already known species. The evidence for two further new species to be described was also reported, with the first occurrence of a genus for the Alpine chain. Their current distribution suggests the presence of past refugia in the massifs characterized by higher glaciation that should be considered the hub of future conservation project of glacial biodiversity. On the other, on the peripheral areas, microendemic species other isolated refugia, particularly threatened. The study highlighted their biodiversity, ecological and biogeographic interest, together with the conservation concern in the context of the present warming cycle. Still a great work should be done for describing this threatened biodiversity. In addition, the opportunity to involve non-expert samplers increase the possibility to use glacier fleas as bioindicators and is currently object of an experimental citizen science project that involves alpine guides and organization that work on glaciers.