Two New Species of Collembola from the Mountains 
of Southern California 
GERTRUDE BACON 
Because of several slight but constant differences between 
these newly discovered forms and the widely distributed 
Aphorura ambulans, it seemed best to describe new species on 
the basis of these characters. Ambulans has two ocelliform 
punctures at the base of each antenna; there is only one in the 
new species. Also the post antennal organ of ambulans con- 
sists of 12-14 tubercles, while these new species have but 11 
and 9. There are numerous tubercles on one of the joints of 
the antenna in the new forms which are not like anything in 
ambulans. There are a number of other minor differences. 
These new species were found at Bear Flats on the slope of 
Mount San Antonio, at 6,000 feet elevation. It was first noticed 
that a number of birds were hovering near and occasionally 
digging in the earth about the bases of the bushes. The soil at 
this place was very dark and rich in vegetable remains. 
Although it was several feet down to water, the bushes were in 
a slight hollow and the earth was a little moist, although it was 
very dry all about. There were thousands of the insects, 
usually in little groups and of various sizes. Two kinds were 
found—a white and a yellow. The yellow was much more 
abundant. The little creatures were without eyes but the 
antenne were actively moved about as the animals changed 
their positions when they were disturbed. Their movements, 
although slow because of the short legs, were fairly active. All 
sizes of both the white and yellow were taken to the laboratory 
and kept alive for several weeks. 
So far this little area on the mountain side is the only place 
in the mountains or in the canyons where Dr. Hilton or I have 
found these insects. 
