On the identity and geographical distribution of Entomobrya handschini Stach, 1922 (Collembola, Entomobryidae)

The study of some specimens of Entomobrya handschini from different museums throughout Europe, along with additional material obtained in recent samplings has made a new description of the species possible, as well as providing data concerning its identity and presumably its real distribution. It seems that this species is present in an arc from Poland to Iran, to the south-east of the Black Sea. It is possible to define a particular feature of colouration present in the specimens throughout this area with some variations and they also maintain a dorsal macrochaetotaxy with a low variation range.