Petrobiinae

Petrobiinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Petrobiinae: /pɛˌtroʊˈbaɪ.iˌni/

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.
Bristletail (31866858205) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Petrobiinae is a subfamily of jumping bristletails in the family Machilidae, characterized by their unique scales and habitat preferences.

Physical Characteristics

Scales on pedicel and scape but not on flagellum.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic scales on the pedicel and scape; this is a defining feature of the Petrobiinae subfamily.

Habitat

Prefer moist environments such as leaf litter, under stones, and decaying wood.

Distribution

Widespread in various habitats, with specific species associated with northern regions.

Diet

Primarily detritivores, feeding on decomposing plant material and organic matter.

Life Cycle

Lifecycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages, with nymphs resembling adults.

Reproduction

Details on reproductive modes are limited, but typically involve direct development without a pupal stage.

Predators

Natural predators include various small invertebrates and some insectivorous vertebrates.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling within their habitats.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collection from leaf litter and under stones
  • Light traps

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Drying specimens for museum curation

Tags

  • Petrobiinae
  • jumping bristletails
  • Machilidae
  • detritivores