Rock Crawlers

Notoptera

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Notoptera: /nɔˈtɒptərə/

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

Images

Grylloblatta campodeiformis Walker1 by E.M. Walker. Used under a Public domain license.
GrylloblattaCampodeiformis by Maxwell Lefroy. Used under a Public domain license.
Grylloblatta campodeiformis Walker2 by E.M. Walker. Used under a Public domain license.
Grylloblata campodeiformis illustration by Edmund Walker. Used under a Public domain license.
Centennial of entomology in Canada, 1863-1963 - a tribute to Edmund M. Walker (1966) (20561547876) by Wiggins, Glenn B; Royal Ontario Museum. Used under a No restrictions license.
Grylloblatta chirurgica by Guy Courtemanche. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Summary

Notoptera is an order of wingless insects divided into two families: Mantophasmatidae, native to southern Africa, and Grylloblattidae, found in cold environments. They have a significant evolutionary history with evidence dating back to the Late Carboniferous.

Physical Characteristics

Wingless insects with a sturdy build. Mantophasmatidae are known as gladiators and Grylloblattidae as ice crawlers.

Identification Tips

Mantophasmatidae are recognized by their predatory behavior and unique morphology, while Grylloblattidae are adapted to cold environments with elongated bodies.

Habitat

Mantophasmatidae are found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa, whereas Grylloblattidae inhabit cold montane environments in the Northern Hemisphere.

Distribution

Globally distributed with a concentration of Mantophasmatidae in southern Africa and Grylloblattidae in cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Diet

Predatory, feeding on small invertebrates.

Life Cycle

Life cycle and development stages are not well documented due to the rarity of specimens.

Reproduction

Reproductive behaviors are not extensively studied; likely involves egg-laying in sheltered environments.

Ecosystem Role

Act as predators within their habitat, potentially controlling populations of other small invertebrates.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collection in natural habitats
  • Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

  • Drying specimens
  • Embedding in resin

Evolution

Evolved during the Late Carboniferous with modern representatives emerging in the Jurassic. Relationships with other insect groups have undergone significant revisions based on molecular data.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Notoptera has often been confused with other wingless insect groups due to their morphology and ecological niches.

Tags

  • Notoptera
  • Xenonomia
  • Mantophasmatidae
  • Grylloblattidae