Thermobia

Thermobia

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thermobia: //tɛrˈmoʊ.bi.ə//

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

Images

Cf Thermobia domestica metric ruler (crop) by Jscottkelley. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Firebrat (Thermobia domestica) by KyleCMSmith. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Thermobia domestica 12739597 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Thermobia domestica Trento 05 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Thermobia domestica 12739641 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Cf Thermobia domestica metric ruler by Jscottkelley. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Thermobia is a genus of primitive insects in the family Lepismatidae, known for the firebrat (T. domestica), which is commonly found in warm indoor areas. It is characterized by its elongated, yellowish body and dietary habits that include feeding on carbohydrates and proteins from various sources.

Physical Characteristics

Elongate yellowish body with brown stripes and mottled spots dorsally. Stout-bodied with a relatively broad-tipped abdomen that is often shorter than the thorax, giving a chunky appearance.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive coloration of T. domestica, particularly its yellowish body with brown stripes. It is usually found in warm indoor environments.

Habitat

Prefers warm places indoors, such as around furnaces, fireplaces, and the insulation surrounding hot water and heating pipes. It may explore other areas of homes in search of food.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan indoors, commonly found in warm climates.

Diet

Feeds mostly at night on products rich in carbohydrates or protein; stored foods, glues, book bindings, and paper products may be attacked.

Life Cycle

Nymphs and adults can live for several years, reaching adulthood in about 4 months. Eggs are laid in crevices in batches of approximately 50, taking 12-13 days to hatch.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in crevices in batches of ~50.

Ecosystem Role

May play a role in decomposing organic materials, but primarily associated with human environments.

Economic Impact

Can cause damage to stored foods, paper products, and book bindings.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Vacuum sampling
  • Hand collection

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Dried specimen preparation
  • Pin mounting

Evolution

Thermobia is a genus of primitive insects, with a history of taxonomic changes since its first description in 1887.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other pest insects, but is primarily attracted to warm indoor environments and not harmful to humans directly.

Tags

  • Thermobia
  • Firebrat
  • Insect
  • Zygentoma
  • Lepismatidae