Grylloblattodea

Order

GRYLLOBLATTODEA
(Latin, gryllus = a cricket; Greek, blatta = an insect that shuns light)

Description

Grylloblattids are restricted to western North America and central to eastern Asia. The twenty known species are particularly tolerant to cold climates and high altitude. Adults are soft-bodied, pale, finely haired, wingless and possess well developed mandibles. The compound eyes are either absent or reduced in size. Grylloblattids lack organs for the production or reception of sound. Two long, flexible and segmented filaments (cerci) project from the apex of the abdomen. An ovipositor strongly projects from the female's abdomen.

Most species are active by both night and day. Many are found in caves, snow-melt areas and similarly cool regions.

Life Cycle

There is no metamorphic cycle of egg-larva-pupa-adult. When juveniles hatch from the eggs, they resemble small versions of the adults (nymphs). Through successive moults nymphs reach adult maturity.

Distribution

Northern Hemisphere

Members

Rock crawlers and ice crawlers.

Food

Grylloblattids are scavengers on dead plant or animal material.

Importance

No known economic importance. Their importance is as a component in cave or alpine ecosystems.