Abstract:
Several hundreds of samples taken in seven localities of the Algerian NorthEast are analyzed. The taxonomic study on the level of the species reveals the
presence of a total of 113 species of Collembola. The inventory of the country in
Collembola is enriched by a contribution by 56 new species, of which 49 are
announced here for the first time in North Africa. The majority of the species lately
announced in Algeria are also new for North Africa, which shows that a East
Algerian fauna quite different from that of the surrounding countries, in particular of
Morocco which was studied the most.
Fauna met is composed of species belonging to the four orders of known
Collembola, 15 families and 55 genera. The prevalence of the Poduromorpha order
with 57 species and 26 genera constitutes a remarkable character of the fauna of
Collembola.
Inside this group, the family emerges from Neanuridae which is represented by
27 species belonging to 3 subfamilies. One of them, Frieseinae with 11 species of the
same genera (Friesea) constitutes the other original character of the collembolan
fauna.
Among the seven prospected localities, it is mountainous massif of Edough that
the essence of the total collected and identified species comes, that is to say 78 species.
The most unexpected character of this fauna is the diversity of the Friesea
genera (8 species) and Hypogastrura genera of the astonishing richness specific of
Neanuridae met in the massif of Edough: 19 species against only 10 in the remainder
of the country. What makes it distinguish from all the Mediterranean forested
mountains vaster and more intensely studied.
Four new species are described: Deutonura n.sp.zana, Friesea n.sp.major,
Friesea n.sp.algirica and Friesea laouina, of which is published, (Deharveng &
Hamra-Kroua, 2004).
Twenty two species are rare, are listed with comments on their taxonomic
position, and makes it possible to expect new discoveries.
Affinities of the settlement of Collembola are primarily with Mediterranean
fauna. The fauna of Edough consists of some European elements and
circumméditerranéen.
The dynamics of the settlement of Collembola endogens is determined by the
seasonal variation of the fundamental edaphic factors: temperature and moisture.
Their seasonal, obvious impact surfaces some, feels even in the in-depth ground.
