Chemical communication in springtails: a review of facts and perspectives
Abstract
The present knowledge on chemical communication in springtails (Collembola), one of the two most abundant invertebrate groups living in soil and environments in tight contact with soil (e.g. plant litter, moss), is reviewed here. Chemical communication in an environment where light is absent or dimmed becomes a prominent driver of trophic and non-trophic interactions between soil organisms at a time when better knowledge on the biological determinants of soil communities is required. Like insects and many other arthropods, collembolan individuals of the same population intercommunicate by pheromones, which allow them signalling a risk or clustering in places favourable for feeding, mating, moulting and ovipositing. Olfaction is also used to select preferred food and mates. Researches so far conducted allowed discerning common trends in the role and chemical composition of odour blends used by Collembola. However, much more needs to be done before reaching straightforward conclusions about chemical communication issues at evolutionary and community levels, making this domain even more rewarding.