Ecological and molecular consequences of prolonged drought and subsequent rehydration in Folsomia candida (Collembola)

► Molecular drought-responses in Folsomia candida support findings on physiological responses. ► Drought-induced, ceased moulting was accompanied by Chit1 down-regulation in F. candida. ► Increased gpi-expression induced by mild drought indicates raised glycolytic activity. ► Expressions of hsp70 and hsp23 are up-regulated in response to drought. ► Rehydration following severe drought induced up-regulated hsp70 and impase expression.