Trigoniophthalmus alternatus
This record describes Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (species). Recorded family: Machilidae. Recorded order: Microcoryphia.
Identification and Appearance
In ne. US, this is the only species with small, nearly triangular lateral ocelli. North American population is parthenogenetic
Wikipedia reference for Trigoniophthalmus alternatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigoniophthalmus_alternatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Microcoryphia (Bristletails)
- Family
- Machilidae (Jumping Bristletails)
- Subfamily
- Machilinae
- Genus
- Trigoniophthalmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to so. Europe, introduced to ne. North America prior to 1911; current range map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (Silvestri 1904)
About Bristletails: the wider group
Order-level background for Microcoryphia, the group containing Trigoniophthalmus alternatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Microcoryphia (jumping bristletails) includes ~500 described species. These are among the most primitive living insects - they are wingless, have an arched body, and can jump up to 30cm using their tail-like appendage.
Ecological role of the group
Bristletails feed on algae, lichens, and decaying plant material on rock surfaces and in leaf litter. They are primarily nocturnal and are preyed upon by spiders and ground beetles.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Jumping bristletails have no economic impact. They are valuable to entomologists as living fossils - representing the most ancestral body plan of any living insect group, dating back ~390 million years.
Recorded sources for this group: Entomological research, insect paleontology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Trigoniophthalmus alternatus
What is Trigoniophthalmus alternatus?
Trigoniophthalmus alternatus is a species in the family Machilidae, within the order Microcoryphia.
How do you identify Trigoniophthalmus alternatus?
In ne. US, this is the only species with small, nearly triangular lateral ocelli.
Where is Trigoniophthalmus alternatus found?
Range: Native to so. Europe, introduced to ne. North America prior to 1911; current range map