← Gallery II · The Orders
No. 24 · Hemimetabolous
Angel Insects / Zorapterans
Zoraptera
~40
Described species
~1
Families
Introduction
First described in 1913 — one of the most recently recognized orders. Sometimes called 'angel insects.'
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Tiny (under 3 mm). Both winged and wingless adults occur in the same population. Found in rotting wood, sawdust piles, termite galleries. Live in small colonies.
Etymology
Greek zoros 'pure' + apteros 'wingless'
Wings
Variable
Diet
Detritivore · Omnivore
Habitat
Terrestrial
Notable examples
Zorotypus species.
Where to look