Jumping Bristletails

Machilidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Microcoryphia
Family: Machilidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Machilidae: //məˈkɪlɪˌdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Petridiobius arcticus (4433479890) by D. Sikes from Fairbanks, USA. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Tête de Trigoniophthalmus alternatus by Christophe Quintin. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Trigoniophthalmus alternatus Candriai 03 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Betenocturne2 by Vatadoshu. Used under a CC0 license.

Trigoniophthalmus alternatus corps entier by Christophe Quintin. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Betenocturne8 by Vatadoshu. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The Machilidae, or Jumping Bristletails, are a family of wingless insects with approximately 450 described species worldwide. These insects exhibit a unique morphology characterized by a humped thorax and three tail-like structures, facilitating their fast escape mechanisms.

Physical Characteristics

Machilidae are elongated and more or less cylindrical with a distinctive humped thorax, covered with tiny, close-fitting scales. The color is usually grey or brown, sometimes intricately patterned. They have three 'tails' at the rear of the abdomen: two cerci and a long central epiproct. They possess large compound eyes that often meet at a central point.

Identification Tips

Resemble silverfish and firebrats but belong to a different order. Look for their distinctive humped thorax and three tail-like structures at the rear.

Habitat

Many species are restricted to rocky shorelines, while others are found in well-vegetated habitats inland.

Distribution

Approximately 450 described species worldwide, with 24 species in 9 genera of 2 subfamilies in specific regions.

Diet

Generally inconspicuous herbivores and scavengers.

Life Cycle

Machilids undergo virtually no metamorphosis during their life cycles.

Reproduction

Sperm is transferred indirectly from male to female. Some species can spin silken threads leading the female to the spermatophore.

Ecosystem Role

Herbivores and scavengers, playing a role in the decomposition process.

Collecting Methods

Hand collecting in their natural habitats.
Use of small nets or aspirators to capture invertebrates.

Preservation Methods

Ethanol for preservation in laboratory settings.
Pinned specimens for morphological study.

Evolution

Fossil records extend back into the Triassic, with genera like Gigamachilis found in Middle Triassic deposits, indicating a long evolutionary history.

Similar Taxa

Zygentoma (silverfish and firebrats)

Misconceptions

Often confused with silverfish due to their similar appearance, but they belong to different orders.