Bristletails

Bristletails come in two distinct categories - jumping and non-jumping. There are at least 500 species of the former and 450 species of the latter globally with 35 and 30, respectively, of these residing in North America. The more common of these species is the Silverfish with its noticeable antenna, compound eyes (some species) and filamentous appendages at the rear. This group is characterized by their extremely flexible bodies which allow them access to the shallowest of spaces in any home. They will eat both human food sources as well as paper material. Additionally, they are generally found within the pages of old books for they also eat the glue within. Other food types include starch-based sources as well as silks and linens. They seem to favor synthetic man-made fibers as well. Reproduction of this order is through male and female interaction.

Jumping Bristletails come from the order Microcoryphai ("Archaeognatha" worldwide) and, as their name suggests, can quickly jump from location to location. Their primary nutrition comes from outdoor sources such as algae and plant life and their activity takes place mostly during the dark hours of the day. Jumping Bristletails manage with large compound eyes and long antenna. Their abdomens are multi-sectioned and serve as the springboard to their jumping technique. Maturity is reached through molting. Larva emerge from eggs and appear much like their adult counterparts.

Silverfish and Firebrats are grouped together under the order Thysanura ("Zygentoma" worldwide). These species cannot fly or jump but are very quick and highly flexible and can be found in indoor and outdoor environments. However, their activities take place during dark hours when they come to feed. Maturity is reached through the process of molting (multiple times) and, interestingly enough, is directly associated to the surrounding environment, nearby population and self-health of the specimen in question.

There are 2 Bristletails in the Insect Identification database.
Those listed below are showcased in alphabetical order.