Identification Key for Entomobrya Rondani, 1861 (Collembola: Entomobryidae) Species in Iran

Collembola or sprigtails are one of the most abundant terrestrial arthropods and are considered to be beneficial organisms that play an important role in the material cycle, including nitrogen and carbon, by feeding on decayed materials. The Entomobryidae family is characterized by features such as a longer fourth abdominal segment than other body segments, the presence of scales or a dense covering of ciliated macrosetae on the body, and the absence of a posterior antennal organ. The genus Entomobrya Rondani, 1861 is the most diverse genus that belongs to this family and the identification of its species is mainly based on the color pattern and chaetotaxy of the body. So far, 18 species of the genus have been reported in Iran. Due to the lack of identification key to species of this genus in Iran and the lack of access to resources, Iranian researchers are facing difficulties in studying the genus. In this study, the identification key of reported species of the genus Entomobrya in Iran is presented along with the image of the species.