The diversity of Protura (Arthropoda, Hexapoda) in the Mediterranean area

The Mediterranean area is one of the biodiversity hotspots where some soil-borne taxa reach a high peak of diversity. Within this community, Protura is a poorly known taxon of euedaphic microarthropods. Based on the literature, 77 species belonging to 15 genera, arranged into four families and two orders have been recorded in the Mediterranean Basin. Records are concentrated in the northern part of this area (56 species are known in the North West and 28 in the North East), followed by Macaronesia (20 species) South-West (10) and South-East (6). This diversity distribution follows the uneven research effort dealing with this taxon. Much work is still needed, especially in areas that have been completely or largely neglected by researchers to date, before it can be considered that a solid knowledge base has been laid on Protura diversity and distribution.