The first comprehensive single-volume review of springtail biology in English. Covers the insects' classification, behaviour, physiology, evolution, and response to pollution.
General introduction; 1. Review of the literature on Collembola; 2. Evolution, systematics, and biogeography; 3. Ecomorphology and anatomy; 4. Taxonomic methods and the species concept in Collembola; 5. Interactions between Collembola and the abiotic environment; 6. Interactions between Collembola and the biotic environment; 7. Reproduction, development and life histories; 8. Ecology and conservation; 9. Ecotoxicology; Appendix A: World of genera of Collembola; Appendix B: Regional checklist of Collembola; Appendix C: Laboratory and field studies of the effects of chemicals on Collembola; References; Subject index; Systematic Index