CHAPTER VII 



BRISTLETAILS AND SPRINGTAILS (APTERA) 



Characteristics. Wingless insects which have no metamorphosis. Mandi- 

 bles and maxillae retracted within the head, but used for biting and chewing 

 soft substances. True compound eyes rarely present ; a group of simple eyes 

 on each side of head in some genera. Abdomen sometimes furnished with 

 rudimentary jointed appendages. 



This is a relatively unimportant order from the economic stand- 

 point, but is of interest from the fact that it includes the most 



FIG. 87. Silver fish-moth (Lepisma saccharina}. (Enlarged) 



A household nuisance and a good example of the bristletails. (After Marlatt, United States 

 Department of Agriculture) 



primitive insects now in existence. The name Aptera is given on 

 account of the entire absence of wings, in consequence of which 



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