Proturan
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Proturans (Order Protura) are a type of rare and very primitive insect.
Identification
Proturans are small and generally whitish colored, measuring 0.6-1.5 mm in length. They have no eyes, wings, antennae, or cerci. The abdomen of the adult has 12 segments, and each of the 3 basal segments has a pair of short styli (finger-like protrusions).
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.
Taxonomy
Number of species
There are 18 species found in North America, and 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