Protura (Insecta) and Brazil during 400 million years of continental drift

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Abstract
The ecology and zoogeography of the Brazilian Protura and a distribution map are given. Protura are assumed to be of Devonian origin. Their phylogenetic evolution and the theories on moving continents are discussed. Suborders Eosentomoidea and Acerentomoidea have synapomorphous characters, as do Acerentomidae and Protentomidae. Trends of probable lines of evolution from primitive to highly developed genera were used. Eosentomoidea have plesiomorphous characters and a Pangaean distribution. Hesperentomon have characters in common with eosentomoids. Other genera are Laurasian or Gondwanian or both. Within Acerentomoidea 4 trends are distinguishable: Australentulus is derived from the Acerentulus, as is Acerentomon; from Gracilentulus issued the Delamarentulus-complex and Baculentulus and Berberentulus; the Silvestridia-complex; and the Acerella-complex. Distribution of Delamarentulus tristani is common in northern South American and West Africa. It is estimated to be 100 million yr old. Eosentomon curupira underwent speciation in the paramo.