Bristletail: Difference between revisions
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'''Bristletails''' (Order ''Zygentoma'') are a small, primitive type of insect, the order of which includes the household pest, [[silverfish]] | '''Bristletails''' (Order ''Zygentoma'') are a small, primitive type of insect, the order of which includes the household pest, [[silverfish]]. Their mouth parts are used for chewing, and they do not sting. | ||
A species of bristletail found in California is an example of a [[living fossil]]. It is scaleless and nearly identical to fossil specimens. | A species of bristletail found in California is an example of a [[living fossil]]. It is scaleless and nearly identical to fossil specimens. | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
Bristletails are elongate wingless insects, named for the 3 tail-like appendages at the end of their abdomens. Their bodies are flat and spindle-shaped with overlapping scales. They have long, multi-segmented [[antennae]], and some abdominal segments have ''styli'' (finger-like protrusions.) | Bristletails are elongate wingless insects, named for the 3 tail-like appendages at the end of their abdomens. Their bodies are flat and spindle-shaped with overlapping scales. They have long, multi-segmented [[antennae]], and some abdominal segments have ''styli'' (finger-like protrusions.) [[Tarsus|Tarsi]] have 3-4 segments. | ||
==Life Cycle== | ==Life Cycle== | ||
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==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
This order was formerly called ''Thysanura,'' which comes from Latin, meaning "tassle tail." At one point, ''Thysanura'' included individuals of the order [[Diplura]]. This order, along with [[Protura|Proturans]] and [[Diplura|Diplurans]], were until recently thought to be insects. | |||
===Number of species=== | ===Number of species=== | ||
There are 40 species found in North America, and 250 worldwide. | There are 40 species found in North America, and 250 worldwide. | ||
=== | ===Subdivisions=== | ||
There are three families in this order. | There are three families in this order. | ||
Revision as of 17:11, 4 June 2008
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Bristletails (Order Zygentoma) are a small, primitive type of insect, the order of which includes the household pest, silverfish. Their mouth parts are used for chewing, and they do not sting.
A species of bristletail found in California is an example of a living fossil. It is scaleless and nearly identical to fossil specimens.
Identification
Bristletails are elongate wingless insects, named for the 3 tail-like appendages at the end of their abdomens. Their bodies are flat and spindle-shaped with overlapping scales. They have long, multi-segmented antennae, and some abdominal segments have styli (finger-like protrusions.) Tarsi have 3-4 segments.
Life Cycle
Bristletails undergo simple metamorphosis. Nymphs of this order are generally very similar to the adult.
Habitat
Bristletails have either small compound eyes and live under rocks, or have larger eyes and are found in leaf litter, debris, or under bark, where there is more light. Bristletails found in houses eat flour, paste, cloth, and paper.
Taxonomy
This order was formerly called Thysanura, which comes from Latin, meaning "tassle tail." At one point, Thysanura included individuals of the order Diplura. This order, along with Proturans and Diplurans, were until recently thought to be insects.
Number of species
There are 40 species found in North America, and 250 worldwide.
Subdivisions
There are three families in this order.
Bibliography
Borrer, DJ and RE White. A Field Guide to Insects: America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston, 1970. ISBN 0-395-91170-2
Milne, L and M Milne. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.: 1995. ISBN 0-394-50763-0
Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed June 4 2008.