The Insecte S zygentomes form the second sub-order of the Thysanoure S (the first being that of the Archaeognathes, or Archéognathe S or Archaeognatha ), class of the Aptérygote S, group of the Hexapode S.

It is a group still rather badly known (One knew of them 300 species approximately in the middle of the years 1980, the majority in tropical zone). Few species were found in Europe (perhaps following the last Glaciation S), but almost 25 species had already been identified in Australia in the middle of the years 1980.

They are morphologiquement close to the Archéognathe S, but smaller, with the cerques ones more rounded, and they differ from it by their lifestyle.

Fleeing the direct light, they appreciate the caves and rock anfractuosities dark and wet, to in edge of sea, in the zones exposed to the spray where they nourish foam remainders, lichens, mushrooms microscopic, spores, pollens, etc

One of the species of Zygentoma is well-known of the Man: it is about the Poisson of money which adapted to the houses, and mainly at the wet or dark places (hollow, below of showers and bath-tubs…), are nourished there refuses, dust, leather, fabrics, paper, and possibly of pastes, flours, etc
Certaines specialized species lives in the Fourmilière S.

Description

• lengthened body (5 to 12 mm), often covered with fine scales,
• apterous (not of wing)
• antennas long and welded
• not of Ocelle S onto the head (whereas the archaeognathes A some)
• abdomen finished by two Cerque S between which is laid out a caudal filament
• crushing parts bucales

They grow slowly, often living several years while passing by many successive moults.

External bonds