Collembolids (Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni) and mite (Stereotydius mollis) samples and surveys of the lower Taylor Valley for phylogenetic relationship studies

Both collembolids (Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni) and mites (Stereotydius mollis) were surveyed over the entire floor of the lower Taylor Valley with special attention paid to the stream areas and to wet areas below glacier snouts. The valley sides and adjacent mountains were visited wherever access was possible. Collembolids and mites were collected using pitfall traps and immediate capture with an aspirator. Small sample numbers (20-50) were removed from each sampling site and used for DNA analysis in order to assess phylogenetic relationships between the populations in the Dry Valleys and to compare them to Ross Island and other continental populations.