Two-pronged bristletails
- Pronunciation
- /too-prongd BRIS-ul-taylz/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Two-pronged bristletail
- Plural
- Two-pronged bristletails
Definition
A group of primitive, wingless arthropods belonging to the order Diplura, characterized by their two long, tail-like cerci and elongated bodies.
Etymology
Derived from 'two' referring to the paired cerci, 'pronged' meaning having a forked shape, and 'bristletail' a term used to describe their bristle-like appendages.
Example
Two-pronged bristletails are often found in moist soil and leaf litter, where they prey on small invertebrates.
Synonyms
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Two-pronged bristletails are sometimes confused with other small, wingless arthropods, but they can be distinguished by their prominent cerci and lack of compound eyes.