Trigoniophthalmus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Microcoryphia
Family: Machilidae
Subfamily: Machilinae
Genus: Trigoniophthalmus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trigoniophthalmus: /traɪˌɡoʊnioʊˈθælməs/

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

Images

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.

Trigoniophthalmus alternatus Candriai 04 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Trigoniophthalmus is a genus of jumping bristletails in the family Machilidae, notable for their triangular eyes and ecological role in the decomposition of organic matter. Consists of about 11 described species with a distribution primarily in the Old World.

Physical Characteristics

Trigoniophthalmus is recognized for its distinctive triangular eyes, which give the genus its name. They are wingless and exhibit a bristly appearance.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic triangular shape of the eyes and the overall bristly texture of the body, which is common in jumping bristletails.

Habitat

Typically found in moist environments including leaf litter and decaying wood, often in temperate regions.

Distribution

Native to the Old World, with about 11 described species; several species are found throughout Europe.

Diet

Primarily detritivores, feeding on decomposing organic matter, fungi, and lichens.

Life Cycle

Life cycles are not well documented, but they undergo simple metamorphosis.

Reproduction

Detailed reproductive behaviors are not widely documented; however, it is presumed that they have typical insect reproduction modalities.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in the decomposition of organic matter, contributing to soil health.

Collecting Methods

Hand collection in leaf litter
Traps set in moist environments

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Pinning for taxonomic study

Evolution

Belongs to the ancient order Microcoryphia, which represents a primitive lineage of insects dating back millions of years.

Similar Taxa

Machilis
Parajapyx

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for insects within the more derived orders due to their bristly appearance; they are not true insects (they belong to a more basal group).