Meinertellidae

Verhoeff, 1910

rock bristletails

Genus Guides

3

is a of basal insects in the order , commonly known as rock . The family comprises more than 170 across 19 , grouped into five distinct genus groups. Members are distinguished from the related family Machilidae by specific morphological traits including the absence of at the base of appendages and the presence of small abdominal sternites protruding between coxal plates. While most Archaeognatha are rock-dwelling, some Meinertellidae species in the Amazon have adapted to arboreal and leaf litter .

Machiloides by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Meinertellidae by (c) John P Friel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John P Friel. Used under a CC-BY license.Machiloides banksi by (c) John P Friel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John P Friel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Meinertellidae: //maɪˌnɜːrˈtɛlɪˌdaɪ//

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Identification

Distinguished from Machilidae by: (1) lack of at the base of legs, , , and palps; (2) small abdominal sternites that protrude slightly between the coxal plates; and (3) patches of reddish to violet-brown hypodermal pigment on the appendages. These features are diagnostic at the level within .

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Habitat

Primarily petrophilous (rock-loving), inhabiting rain forests, regular forests, and coastal cliffs. Amazonian have been observed in leaf litter on the forest floor, on tree trunks, and in the .

Distribution

Principally distributed in the southern hemisphere, including rain forests, forests, and coastal cliff environments. First recorded in China from Medog, Tibet, representing the northernmost occurrence of the Machilontus.

Similar Taxa

  • MachilidaeOther in order ; distinguished by presence of at leg and bases, absence of protruding abdominal sternites between coxal plates, and lack of distinctive reddish-violet hypodermal pigment patches on appendages

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