Diplura (Diplurans)

Diplurans are long-bodied, eyeless, and six-legged. The antennae are bead-like. A pair of cerci are present, being either long and thin (Campodeidae), short and ringed (Projapygidae), or shaped into hardened forceps (Japygidae, Parajapygidae, and Heterojapygidae). Most species feed on soil-microorganisms though some are know to be herbivorous. Diplura is considered the sister group of Insecta. Characters diplurans lack that all true insects possess include the Johnston’s organ, a movement and sound sensing antennal organ, and external mouthparts.