The jumping bristletails are aninconspicuous group, looking much like their better-known cousins, thesilverfish. Like silverfish they are wingless, scaly scavengers. Theirmain claim to fame is a remarkable jumping ability. A braided cord-likemuscle running the length of the body can be rapidly contracted to pullthe head and tail downward, launching the insect several centimetersinto the air. The scientific name of the order means 'old mouth',referring to the relatively primitive mouthparts of these insects.Archaeognatha is an extremely ancient order, and are considered livingfossils.

We have identified a single species at Coal OilPoint.

Bristletail Photos (click to enlarge)

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