Proturan
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Proturans (Order Protura) are a type of rare and very primitive insect, which remained undiscovered until 1906. They have no sensory organs, hence the name of the order, which means "simple tail." Proturans are so small they can only be identified with a microscope.
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.
Families
There are three families in this order, principally separated by the presence or absence of the tracheal system and characteristics of the abdomen.
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