Proturan

Proturans
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Hexapoda Class: Entognatha Order: Protura Silvestri, 1907
Suborders
Acerentomoidea Eosentomoidea

Proturans (Order Protura) are an order of hexapods which were once thought to be insects. Proturans are so small they can only be identified with a microscope and remained undiscovered until 1907. They have no sensory organs, hence the name of the order, which means "simple tail."

Identification

Proturans are small and unpigmented, measuring 0.6-1.5 mm in length. They have a conical head with no eyes or antennae, and lack wings and cerci. They hold their fore-legs in front of them, resembling antennae. The abdomen of the adult has 12 segments, more than any other insect. Each of the 3 basal segments has a pair of short styli (finger-like organs). Their mouthparts are used for sucking.

Life Cycle

Proturans undergo simple metamorphosis. Nymphs of this order are very similar to the adult, with fewer abdominal segments. A new abdominal segment is added at each molt.

Habitat

Proturans are mostly found in moist soil, in rotting wood, under bark, in moss and leaf mold. They eat decaying organic matter.

Taxonomy

Number of species

There are 20 species found in North America, and there are 118 worldwide.

Suborders

There are two suborders 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 0394507630

Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed June 4 2008.