Parisotoma notabilis (formerly Isotoma notabilis) is a very common and widespread species which is extracted in large numbers from most samples of soil in Tullgren funnels. The largest specimen I have seen was 1.1 mm in length, although larger individuals are sometimes found in caves. The numerous ventral manubrial setae (Fig. 1), square black eye patch (Fig. 2) and serrated setae on the abdomen (Fig. 3) are distinctive. The mucro has three teeth, although careful orientation is needed to see these (Figs. 4 and 5). Since Parisotoma notabilis is probably present in every hectad in UK/Eire, the distribution of dots on the adjacent map is a good indication of the poor level of Collembola recording in particular regions (Scotland, Cornwall, Devon).

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Fig. 1 (above): Furca of Parisotoma notabilis collected from Browns Bay, Co. Antrim, Ireland in October 1938 by Bagnall. The ventral side of the manubrium (man) bears numerous setae.

Fig. 2 (above): Parisotoma notabilis collected from Ruislip in January 1951 by M.E. Bacchus. The post-antennal organ (PAO) is broadly oval and the eye contains four indistinct ocelli in a square patch of pigment.

Fig. 3 (above): Parisotoma notabilis collected from Horstead, Norwich in November 1952 (collector not known). The long setae on the dorsal side of abdominal segments 5/6 (arrow) have a characteristic serrated appearance.

Fig. 4 (above): Parisotoma notabilis collected from Boghall, Pentland Hills in October 1927 by Bagnall. The mucro has three teeth (*).

Fig.5 (above): Same specimen as shown in Fig. 4 but with the focal plane slightly lower.