Identification Key for the Hypogastruridae Family (Hexapoda: Collembola) in Iran

The family Hypogastruridae belonging to the order Poduromorpha is an important family of the class Collembola. This family is recognized by having strong mandibules, molar plates, lateral projections, strong furca, and short dens. Members of the family are found in many habitats including soil, under the bark of trees, seashores, and commercial mushroom beds. The family Hypogastruridae is not well known in Iran. During the last few years, the study of this group of arthropods has been increasing and numerous reports have been presented. So far, 37 species and eight genera belonging to this family have been reported or described from Iran. The genera Hypogastrura Bourlet, 1839 and Ceratophysella Bӧrner, 1932 have the highest number of reported species of the family with 12 and 8 species, respectively. There is no comprehensive identification key for the species and genera of the Hypogastruridae family in Iran. In order to facilitate the identification of Hypogastruridae species for Iranian researchers, in this study, the identification key of reported genera and species of the family Hypogastruridae in Iran is presented.