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Machilidae

Machilidae

9.9
A group of small wingless insects that jump and have tail bristles
  • noun
  • /məˈkɪlɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Machilidae
  • The family Machilidae includes several species of jumping bristletails found in leaf litter and under stones.

Examples

  • Scientists discovered a new species within the Machilidae during their fieldwork in the forest.

  • The family of insects known as Machilidae is often seen in moist areas like forests and gardens.

  • Because Machilidae are sensitive to humidity, they are mostly found in damp habitats.

  • The Machilidae are fascinating creatures.

  • Did you know that Machilidae can jump?

  • Researchers are studying the behavior of Machilidae to understand how these insects adapt to their environment.

  • In nature, Machilidae play a role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter in leaf litter.

Synonyms

jumping bristletail
vsMachilidae
9.9

A small wingless insect that lives in dark, damp places like under logs and jumps when touched

is the formal scientific family name rather than the common insect name
bristletail
vsMachilidae
9.9

A small insect without wings that has a long bristle tail

is the specific scientific family rather than the general category

Surface Forms

Machilidae singular
Machilidaes plural
Machilidae plural

Morphology

Machilidae = Machilis (opaque) = Machil + idae

Although taxonomic family names are regularly formed from a genus name plus '-idae', this convention is too specialized for most general English learners to infer reliably.

Etymology

Machilidae is the scientific name formed from the group name Machilis plus the ending -idae, which means 'family' in animal names, like Felidae for the cat family. So Machilidae simply means the 'Machilis family' — the family of small, jumping bristletails with long bodies and tail bristles.