Non-insect hexapods

Pronunciation: /non-IN-sekt HEK-suh-pahdz/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Non-insect hexapod

Plural: Non-insect hexapods

Definition

Members of the subphylum Hexapoda that are not classified as insects, including groups like Collembola (springtails), Protura, and Diplura.

Etymology

From Latin 'non-' meaning 'not', 'insect' derived from Latin 'insectum' meaning 'cut into', and Greek 'hex' meaning 'six' and 'pous' meaning 'foot'.

Example

Springtails are a common type of non-insect hexapod found in soil and leaf litter.

Synonyms

Entognatha (for some groups)
Apterygota (historically)

Related Terms

Collembola
Protura
Diplura
Hexapoda
Entomobryomorpha

Usage Notes

Non-insect hexapods possess six legs like insects but differ in their morphology and ecological roles. They are often studied in relation to soil health and decomposition processes.