New cave-dwelling springtail identifiedListen to this articleResearchers at Thaksin University have identified a previously unknown cave-dwelling springtail, marking a significant addition to global biodiversity records. It has been identified as a new species of insect from southern Thailand. Their findings confirmed that Lepidonella sirindhornae is the first springtail species of its kind recorded from a Thai cave. "Their presence reflects the stability and fertility of underground ecosystems due to their responsiveness to environmental disturbances," she said. Its elongated appendages and reduced eyes demonstrate clear adaptation to life in total darkness, offering valuable evidence of evolutionary processes in cave environments.

Source: Bangkok Post January 07, 2026 00:35 UTC