Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
=Embioptera
Explanation of Names
Greek embios 'lively', a reference to their ability to run rapidly
Numbers
11 spp. in 6 genera of 3 families in our area
(1), almost 300 spp. in 53 genera of 8 genera of families worldwide
(2)Size
4-20+ mm (our spp. 4-7 mm)
(1)Identification
slender, usually brownish insects that may have wings (males) or be wingless (some males and all females); body of male flattened; body of female and immature more cylindrical; tarsi 3-segmented; basal segment of front tarsus greatly enlarged for producing silk from hollow hairs issuing on the basal and middle segments; cerci 2-segmented (but left cercus of some males 1-segmented)
Range
mostly tropical; in our area, so. US
Habitat
silk galleries are spun under stones and bark, in debris, cracks in soil or bark, among grass roots, lichens, mosses, and epiphytic plants
winged males of some species are attracted to artificial light
Season
more numerous during the rainy season
Food
dead plant material plus lichens and mosses found around their galleries
Life Cycle
incomplete metamorphosis: egg, nymph, adult; one generation per year
Remarks
rapid runners, often run backwards; live in colonies (in galleries of spun silk) and exhibit limited maternal care for eggs and young
