Ground-dwelling springing hexapod

saye
Full Member

Posts: 82

Ground-dwelling springing hexapod Dec 22, 2015 3:19:32 GMT -8

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Post by saye on Dec 22, 2015 3:19:32 GMT -8

Hello.

I've seen this species (and related, I could guess) often moving fast enough over and under the dead leaf mat, in woodland. They probe fast as well, and have click-beetle-like escape manoeuvres, springing if touched. This one was particularly big and had golden-iridescent colours (likely because I spotted it under the sunlight, which is not usual), it caught my attention more than every other one. So, is it even an insect?

Location: Northern Portugal

Thanks.

Last Edit: Dec 22, 2015 3:22:35 GMT -8 by saye

exoticimports Darwin Posts: 2,283 Country: U.S.A.	Ground-dwelling springing hexapod Dec 22, 2015 6:00:28 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by exoticimports on Dec 22, 2015 6:00:28 GMT -8 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springtail They're common in eastern North America in fall season.

jshuey
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Collecting at Doyle's Delight - the highest ridge in Belize

Posts: 863

Ground-dwelling springing hexapod Dec 22, 2015 6:13:41 GMT -8

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Post by jshuey on Dec 22, 2015 6:13:41 GMT -8

It's a jumping Bristletail - Archaeognatha. Back when I was a kid, these were in the same group as silverfish, but I think now they are considered to be a separate order - something about the way the mandibles articulate with the head is the big difference (as best as I recall some 30+ years post "insect taxonomy class"). They are indeed - real insects - perhaps the most primitive linage surviving.

Two asides - I just saw one a couple of weeks ago in a classroom at Indiana University. It was stumbling across the carpet, surrounded by a bunch of curious college kids.

Second - springtails might actually be the most primitive true insects - but last I heard - no-one is really sure if they are indeed insects. Silver fish and jumping bristletails are insects for sure.

John

Last Edit: Dec 22, 2015 6:34:57 GMT -8 by jshuey

saye
Full Member

Posts: 82

Ground-dwelling springing hexapod Dec 22, 2015 7:11:56 GMT -8

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Post by saye on Dec 22, 2015 7:11:56 GMT -8

exoticimports

Thought so too, but then basic morphology didn't seem to match, so I asked. Thanks.

jshuey

Spot on, thanks. I've seen them often the last month or so, they stand out as they dart ahead of leaf-trampling steps. Curious insect. On the other hand, I've seen silverfish only a couple of times. One of those was among some sheets in a paper case, which turns out to be an expected place to find them, more or less. Thanks for the extra info.

Last Edit: Dec 22, 2015 7:46:57 GMT -8 by saye

Post by saye on Dec 22, 2015 3:19:32 GMT -8

Post by exoticimports on Dec 22, 2015 6:00:28 GMT -8

Post by jshuey on Dec 22, 2015 6:13:41 GMT -8

Post by saye on Dec 22, 2015 7:11:56 GMT -8