Order Thysanura Flashcards
What does the order thysanura contain
Order Thysanura contains the bristletails, small agile insects with long thin bodies, usually covered in gleaming scales of various colours. They rarely exceed half an inch in length and are most active in the dark.
Describe the typical thysanuran
They have chewing mouthparts, long tread like antennae, and three similar caudal bristles at the hind end of the body. The abdomen bears rudimentary legs in the form of small protuberances called styli, and often has vesicles (sub-coral sales that can be extruded through means of blood pressure and take up moisture.
how many species of thysanuran are there
350 species belong to the order of the bristletails
What is interesting about thysanuran reproduction
Males are less common than females and new individuals can be asexual produced through unfertilized eggs (pathogenesis)
How long does it take members of thysanura to mature
Sexual maturity is usually within 1 year of age, but can be near 8 months. Maturation typically takes 3-4 years.
how are thysanuran eggs layed
The eggs are generally scattered singly and often disguised as bits of plants or soil.
What are the two families of thysanura
Members of Thysanura are found nearly worldwide and are grouped into two families: Machilidae and Lepismatidae
Describe the appearance of machilidea
Machilidae also called the spindle shaped bristletails have large compound eyes, and three dorsal ocelli (simple eyes). Subcoxal sacs are found on the abdomen along with styli which are found on the legs as well.
describe the lifestyle of machilidea
These insects love the warmth and are generally extravagant in appearance but can lose their scales easily. The live in stony places under leaves, bark, or rocks, and feed on algae and lichen. They camouflage easily while resting and often snuggle into cracks with they antennae laid back and caudal bristles lined up with them.
what are the long maxillary palpi found on members of the family machilidae used for
The long maxillary palpi (appendages of the second jaw) are used as feelers and can at times function as support.
Compare lepismatidae to machilidae
Lepismatidae have flattened bodies compared to machilidae. They either lack, or have smaller compound eyes and few or no lateral ocelli. Dorsal ocelli are lacking as are the styli of the legs. Most species lack subcoxal sacs. most of the 2023 species live in the leaves, bark, or stones, found around the world, along with caves and human houses. The silverfish is one example
