Campodeid

• They are pale, eyeless, and wingless, with long antennae and two long, many-segmented cerci (appendages) at the end of the abdomen.

• They are among the best-known groups of subterranean fauna, with almost 150 species described worldwide.

• They are regarded as primitive hexapods, illustrating a generalized form from which many insects are derived.

• They have a worldwide distribution, but are especially diverse in the tropics and subtropics.

• They feed on organic matter, fungi, and bacteria, and play an important role in soil ecology.

• They have some remarkable adaptations to the subterranean environment, such as the ability to regenerate lost body parts and the presence of sensory organs on the antennae and cerci.

• They include the world's largest campodeid, Pacificampa daidarabotchi, which measures about 10 mm in length and was named after a giant creature from Japanese mythology.

Campodeids are a family of primitive, eyeless, wingless insects that belong to the order Diplura.

Campodeids are mostly found in moist soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and under stones.

They feed on fungi, algae, bacteria, and small invertebrates.

Campodeids are widely distributed across the world, with more than 280 described species in 30 genera.

They are especially diverse in temperate regions, such as Europe, North America, and Japan.

Some species have been introduced to other areas by human activities, such as Campodea fragilis in New Zealand.

Campodeids are considered to be among the most ancient and primitive hexapods, and may have evolved from a common ancestor with insects and collembolans.

Campodeids are important decomposers in the soil ecosystem, as they help break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.

They are also preyed upon by various predators, such as centipedes, spiders, ants, and beetles.

Campodeids have a simple life cycle, with eggs, nymphs, and adults.

They molt several times before reaching maturity, and some species can live for more than a year.

Campodeids are fascinating creatures that illustrate the diversity and evolution of hexapods.

They are often overlooked by humans, but they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature.

A Campodeid is a type of insect-like animal that belongs to the order Diplura.

Diplurans are small, pale, and eyeless creatures that live in moist soil, leaf litter, or under stones.

They have two long, thin appendages called cerci at the end of their abdomen, which they use for sensing and defense.

Campodeids are the largest and most diverse group of diplurans, with over 280 species in 30 genera.

Campodeids have a slender, segmented body that can grow up to 12 mm in length.

They have a pair of antennae on their head, and three pairs of legs on their thorax.

Their abdomen has ten segments, each with a pair of small styli, which are projections that help them move and breathe.

The last segment of the abdomen bears the cerci, which can have many segments and can be longer than the body.

The cerci can be used to detect vibrations, touch, and chemicals, as well as to fend off predators or rivals.

Some campodeids can also produce silk from glands near the cerci.

Campodeids are mostly scavengers, feeding on decaying organic matter, fungi, algae, and bacteria.

They are also important prey for other soil animals, such as spiders, centipedes, and predatory mites.

Campodeids are usually active at night, and hide in the soil or under debris during the day.

They can survive in various habitats, from tropical forests to arctic tundra, as long as there is enough moisture and organic matter.

Campodeids are considered to be primitive hexapods, and may represent a generalized form from which many insects evolved.

Campodeids are not well-known to most people, but they are fascinating and diverse animals that play an important role in the soil ecosystem.

They are also the subject of scientific research, as they can provide insights into the evolution and diversity of hexapods.

The world's largest campodeid dipluran, named Juxtlacampa juxtlaensis, was discovered in 2016 in a cave in Mexico.

It measures 10 mm in body length, and has 50-segmented cerci that are twice as long as the body.