← Gallery II · The Orders
No. 27 · Ametabolous
Jumping Bristletails
Archaeognatha
~500
Described species
~2
Families
Introduction
Archaeognatha represent the earliest-diverging lineage of true insects — they have never had wings (apterygote) and predate the winged insect radiation by hundreds of millions of years.
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Wingless. Three long tail filaments (median filament longer than the two cerci). Cylindrical, arched body covered with scales. Large compound eyes that meet on top of head. Can jump using their abdomen.
Etymology
Greek archaios 'ancient' + gnathos 'jaw'
Wings
Wingless
Diet
Detritivore · Herbivore
Habitat
Terrestrial · Soil
Notable examples
Sea bristletail, rock bristletails.
Where to look