Protura

Definition

An order of very small, wingless, and eyeless soil-dwelling arthropods that lack antennae and have front legs adapted to function as sensory organs.

Etymology

From New Latin 'Protura', from Greek 'protos' meaning 'first' and 'oura' meaning 'tail', referring to their primitive characteristics and tail-like abdomen.

Example

Proturans are often found in leaf litter and soil, where they play a role in the decomposition process.

Synonyms

• Coneheads

Related Terms

• Entognatha
• Hexapoda
• Soil arthropods

Usage Notes

Proturans are among the most primitive of hexapods, and their lack of eyes and antennae distinguish them from other insects.