Teratembiidae
Common Name
Overview
The family Teratembiidae belongs to the order Embioptera, commonly known as webspinners. These small, secretive insects are known for producing silk from specialized glands located in their front legs.
Taxonomy
- Order: Embioptera
- Family: Teratembiidae
Key Characteristics
- Small, elongated bodies ranging from 1 to 2 cm in length.
- Males typically have wings, while females are wingless.
- Enlarged front tarsi with silk-producing glands.
- Dark to light brown coloration.
- Antennae with many segments.
Life Cycle
- Hemimetabolous development (incomplete metamorphosis).
- Lifecycle stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
- Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and wingless.
Behavior and Ecology
- Construct silken galleries or tunnels in leaf litter, under bark, or in soil.
- Omnivorous, feeding on plant material, fungi, and detritus.
- Social insects that live in small colonies.
- Males often leave the galleries to find females for mating.
Notable Species
- This family does not boast any particularly notable species that are well-recognized beyond academic circles.
Conservation
- Not currently subject to specific conservation efforts.
- Their habitats can be threatened by deforestation and environmental changes.
Significance to Humans
- Largely inconspicuous due to their small size and secretive lifestyle.
- Play a role in the decomposition process and soil health.
Fun Facts
- Webspinners can run backward as quickly as they can move forward.
- The silk they produce is used to create protective tunnels.
- Despite their name, not all webspinners belong to the Teratembiidae family.
- Webspinners can regenerate their tarsi if they lose them.