A Review of the Genus Mastigoceras with 
Remarks on its Systematic Position 
(Collembola: Entomobryidae) 
Jose A. Mari Mutt 
University of Illinois and 
Illinois Natural History Survey, Urbaria 61801 
The genus Mastigoceras was erected by Handschin (1924) for the 
Brazilian species Mastigoceras camponoti. The description was based 
on two specimens. Cassagnau (1963) studied three Brazilian speci¬ 
mens and added various details to the original description. While 
examining the collections of the Illinois Natural History Survey I 
found an additional 30 specimens and it is my intent to take advan¬ 
tage of this find and redescribe the species in the light of char¬ 
acters recently introduced in collembolan taxonomy. Remarks will 
also be made on the systematic position of Mastigoceras in relation to 
the other members of the tribe Orchesellini. Mastigoceras has so far 
remained monotypic and Southern Brazilian in distribution. 
I wish to thank Dr. C. Baroni Urbani and the Naturhistorisches 
Museum, Basel, Switzerland, for the loan of the two syntypes of 
Mastigoceras camponoti. Thanks are also due to Dr. R. MacLeod for 
the opportunity to use the facilities of the Center for Electron Micro¬ 
scopy, University of Illinois. 
Mastigoceras Handschin 
Medium sized (up to 2.4 mm) members of the tribe Orchesellini (but see later under the 
discussion on the systematic position of this taxon). Antennae five segmented (Fig. 3), 
very long, up to three times longer than head and body combined. Eight eyes on each side 
of head. Dorsal head and body macrochaetotaxy reduced (Fig. 1). Head and body covered 
with strongly fusiform slightly serrated scales which are absent from all other parts of 
animal. Abd. 4 dorsally not over 1.5 times longer than Abd. 3. Manubial organ and dental 
spines absent. Mucro with two teeth and a basal spine. 
Mastigoceras camponoti Handschin 
Mastigoceras camponoti Handschin 1924:22. Cassagnau 1963:128. 
Salmon 1964: 484. 
Habitus as in figures 2 & 3. Length excluding antennae and furcula up to 2.4 mm. Body 
background color light yellow. Distribution of purple pigment as in figures 2 & 3 (see also 
Cassagnau 1963:129, Fig. 1a,c). Pigmentation is somewhat variable but at least lateral 
bands and limits of body segments are always deeply pigmented. Bands of pigment on 
legs very conspicuous, always present. Head and body covered with slightly serrated, 
strongly fusiform scales (Fig. 9) which are absent from antennae, legs, collophore, and 
furcula. 
Antennae five segmented due to subdivision of first segment (Ant. 1), which is very 
short (Fig. 3). Ant. 2 robust, bearing several macrochaetae. Ants. 3-5 conspicuously annu- 
lated and unusually long, whip like (hence name of genus). 
The Pan-Pacific Entomologist 54:43-47. January 1978 
