Embiidae

Common Name

Webspinners

Overview

The family Embiidae, commonly known as webspinners, belongs to a unique group of insects recognized primarily for their remarkable silk-spinning ability. These insects are relatively small and often go unnoticed due to their cryptic lifestyle.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom : Animalia
• Phylum : Arthropoda
• Class : Insecta
• Order : Embioptera
• Family : Embiidae

Key Characteristics

• Body Shape : Elongated and somewhat cylindrical.
• Legs : Forelegs are adapted to produce silk; have enlarged, setose tarsi.
• Size : Typically small, ranging from 4 to 10 mm.
• Wings : Males often have wings; females are usually wingless.
• Color : Generally brownish or black.

Life Cycle

• Eggs : Laid within the silk galleries.
• Nymphs : Undergo several molts before becoming adults.
• Adults : Males usually leave the galleries to find mates; females spend most of their life inside the silk tunnels.

Behavior and Ecology

• Habitat : Found under rocks, in leaf litter, or on tree bark.
• Diet : Primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying plant material.
• Silk Production : Used to create extensive galleries for protection, feeding, and rearing young.

Notable Species

• Oligotoma nigra : One of the more commonly observed species.

Conservation

There are no significant conservation concerns for the family at this time.

Significance to Humans

Webspinners are not considered pests and have minimal direct impact on human activities. They are of interest primarily to entomologists and arachnologists due to their unique behavior and silk-spinning capabilities.

Fun Fact

• Webspinners can produce silk using their forelegs, unlike most silk-producing arthropods that use specialized abdominal glands.
• Only male webspinners have wings, and after mating, they often die shortly afterwards.
• The silk galleries provide a humid microenvironment that helps webspinners avoid desiccation.