Department of Entomology

Microcoryphia (Archaeognatha) (Bristletails)

Family Fact Sheet

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Microcoryphia - Brigham Young/VPI & SU PCD0330009

I. Background information

A. Origin of name

1. micro, small; coryphia, head
2. Refers to small head surrounded by first notum

B. Classification

1. Suborders - None
2. America north of Mexico - 2 families, 8 genera, 35 species
3. World - ? families, ? genera, 250 species
4. Estimate of undescribe species - 40%
5. Formerly part of Thysanura

C. Common names - Brisltetails or Jumping bristletails

D. Type of metamorphosis - Simple

E. Phylogenetic relationships

1. Ectognathus
2. Styli present
3. No pleural sutures - i.e., no episternum or epimeron

II. Morphological characteristics

A. Styli on abdominal segments 2-9

B. Two cerci and a median caudal filament

C. Abdominal segments 1-7 bear eversible vesicles

D. Antennae present

E. Wingless

III. Biological summary for the order

A. Life history

1. Eggs - Scattered singly and often disguised with bits of plants or soil.
2. Nymphs
3. Adults
4. Some known to be parthenogenetic.

B. Habitat

1. Found by day hiding in rock crevices or under bark. They feed at night.

C. Habits (mode of existence)

1. Feed on algae, lichens, and vegetable debris.

D. Collecting and preserving

1. Berlese funnel leaf litter.
2. 80% alcohol
3. Keep in alcohol, do not mount on slides.

F. Behavior

1. Ability to jump
2. Primarily nocturnal
3. Eyes glow at night when illuminated

G. Significance

1. Economic - None
2. Ecological