Diplura
/dɪˈplʊərə
/plural noun Entomology
An order of small primitive wingless insects which resemble the true bristletails but have two bristles at the end of the abdomen.
- Order Diplura, subclass Apterygota, class Insecta (or Hexapoda).
- Neither are the Parainsecta (springtails and proturans) or Diplura true insects, for their numbers of abdominal segments vary.
- When nucleotide frequencies were tested within each of the three basal hexapod groups (i.e., within Protura, within Diplura, within Collembola), they were always stationary.
Derivatives
dipluran
- We have obtained the most extensive sample of basal hexapods so far: namely, 10 proturans, 12 diplurans, and 10 collembolans, including all their major subgroups - plus a wide range of out-group taxa.
- The cerci of some diplurans are designed to break off near the base if they are mishandled.
- Similar to some other primitive wingless insects, diplurans have external sexual reproduction.
Origin
Modern Latin (plural), from di-1 'two' + Greek pleura 'side of the body'.