Zorapterans

Zoraptera

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Zoraptera

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zoraptera: /zɔˈræptərə/

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

Images

Zorotypus hubbardi 2 by Andrew Nelson Caudell (18 August 1872 – 1 March 1936). Used under a Public domain license.

Zorotypus hubbardi 3 by Andrew Nelson Caudell (18 August 1872 – 1 March 1936). Used under a Public domain license.

Zorotypus hubbardi 1 by Andrew Nelson Caudell (18 August 1872 – 1 March 1936). Used under a Public domain license.

Zorotypus hubbardi 4 by Andrew Nelson Caudell (18 August 1872 – 1 March 1936). Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Zoraptera, known as angel insects, are small, gregarious insects found primarily in decaying wood. They have both winged and wingless forms, exhibit interesting social behaviors, and play a role in their ecosystems as decomposers.

Physical Characteristics

Small (2-3 mm), soft-bodied insects. Winged and wingless forms are present. Wingless forms lack compound eyes and ocelli; winged forms have compound eyes and ocelli. Antennae are 9-segmented and moniliform. Cerci are short and unsegmented. Abdomen is short, oval, and segmented into 10 sections.

Identification Tips

Look for tiny insects in decaying wood. Wingless individuals are pale with no eyes; winged forms are dark, with compound eyes and ocelli, and can shed wings.

Habitat

Under bark, in rotten logs, piles of sawdust, and leaf litter.

Distribution

Primarily found from Pennsylvania to Florida and Texas, with greater diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Neotropical and Oriental regions.

Diet

Feeds on fungus spores and small dead arthropods.

Life Cycle

Zorapterans exhibit hemimetabolous development; immature nymphs resemble small adults. There is polymorphism in adults with winged (alate) and wingless forms depending on environmental conditions.

Reproduction

Reproduction can involve copulation as seen in some species, while in others, fertilization occurs via the transfer of a spermatophore containing a giant sperm cell.

Ecosystem Role

Assist in decomposition and nutrient cycling by consuming detritus and dead arthropods.

Collecting Methods

Trapping under decaying wood
Hand collection from leaf litter

Preservation Methods

Ethanol
Drying in silica gel

Evolution

Zoraptera are thought to be closely related to Embioptera and Dermaptera, based on morphological traits and molecular data.

Similar Taxa

Embioptera
Dermaptera

Misconceptions

Commonly misinterpreted as purely wingless due to their name; winged forms also exist and can shed their wings.