Archembiidae

Definition

A family of webspinners (order Embioptera) characterized by silk-producing glands on the forelegs used to construct silk-lined galleries in leaf litter, bark, or rock crevices. Members of this family represent an early-diverging lineage within the embiopteran radiation.

Etymology

Example

Species in Archembiidae construct narrow silk tunnels under stones or in soil cracks, with males often winged and females typically apterous, a pattern common among basal embiopteran families.

Related Terms

• Embioptera
• webspinner
• Embiidae
• Anisembiidae
• silk gland
• gallery

Usage Notes

Established by Ross in 2001; the family is distinguished from other embiopteran families by genitalic and wing venation characters. The name reflects its position as a relatively plesiomorphic ('archaic') lineage within the order. Contrast with the more species-rich and widespread family Embiidae.