Jumping bristletails

Despite bearing the informal title of 'bristletails,' members of the family Machilidae are not what their name might suggest—they are not insects with simple bristly appendages but rather fascinating relics of the insect world, boasting some of the most ancient lineage among insects. These creatures, which thrive in moist environments, communicate through subtle vibrations transmitted through the ground— a remarkable adaptation not visible to the casual observer. It’s a common misconception that these primitive insects can be harmful to humans or plants; however, they are completely harmless and play a significant ecological role in the decomposition of leaf litter, adding to soil fertility through their detritivorous habits.