Department of Entomology

Embiidina (Webspinners)

Family Fact Sheet

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Embiidina - Brigham Young/VPI & SU PCD0330021

I. Background information

A. Origin of name

1. embid, lively (run backward quickly when disturbed)

B. Classification

1. 11 Species in U.S.

2. 3 Families

a. Anisembiidae

b. Teratembiidae

c. Oligotomidae

C. Common names - webspinners

D. Type of metamorphosis - simple

E. Phylogenetic relationships

1. Fossil record: Lower Tertiary

II. Morphological characteristics

A. 3-Segment tarsi with enlarged basal segment on front tarsus - tarsal silk gland

B. No ocelli

C. Chewing mouthparts

D. Males - winged with blood sinus veins to stiffen wings

E. Females - not winged

III. Biological summary for the order

A. Habitat and Habits

1. Live in leaf litter, under stones, bark

2. Live in silk-lined colonies made up of female and brood

3. Feed on dried plant material, dried grasses

B. Collecting and preserving

1. Rear in a tube or jar - Necessary to get males for identification

2. Collect into 70% ETOH