Species of the genus Friesea (Collembola, Neanuridae) from New Caledonia and Vanuatu

Four species of the genus Friesea Dalla Torre, 1895 (Collembola, Neanuridae) are described from New Caledonia (Grande-Terre and Loyalty Islands) and Vanuatu (Santo Island). Friesea hnaeu n. sp. from Lifou Island in the Loyalties is characterized by two anal spines and the absence of eyes. Friesea wabao n. sp. from two islands of the Loyalties and Grande-Terre has a unique combination of characters: 1+1 or less eyes, a reduced furca, 3 anal spines and 7 s-chaetae on the fourth antennal segment. Friesea santo n. sp. from Santo Island in Vanuatu has 3 anal spines, no eyes and 6 s-chaetae on the fourth antennal segment. Friesea septem n. sp. from Santo Island is characterized by a reduced number of eyes (5-7+5-7 eyes), well-developed mucro, and 7 s-chaetae on the fourth antennal segment. The genus Friesea has the same number of species (3) on Grande-Terre, New Caledonia and on Loyalty Islands, with only one species shared. Two species of the mirabilis group, one in Vanuatu and one in New Caledonia, have 7 s-chaetae on the fourth antennal segment, a character unique in this group, suggesting biogeographical affinities between these two regions.