Troglofauna are small
cave-dwelling
animals that have
adapted to their dark surroundings. Troglofauna and
stygofauna are the two types of
subterranean fauna (based on life-history). Both are associated with subterranean environments – troglofauna are associated with caves and spaces above the water table and stygofauna with water. Troglofaunal species include
spiders,
insects,
myriapods and others. Some troglofauna live permanently underground and cannot survive outside the cave environment. Troglofauna adaptations and characteristics include a heightened sense of hearing, touch and smell. Loss of under-used senses is apparent in the lack of skin pigmentation as well as eyesight in most troglofauna. Troglofauna insects may exhibit a lack of
wings and longer
appendages.
