Zorotypus hubbardi
ZOROTYPID FAMILY (Zorotypidae)

Description
This diminutive insect is approximately 1/8th inch long. It is white, semi-transparent, eyeless and wingless. It has white, beaded antennae and white legs.

Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence is not known because they are rarely seen. The individual shown here was photographed in Fontenelle Forest in mid-August 2012, and was the first known record for Nebraska.

Comments
Zorapterans belong to the small, rarely seen order Zoraptera. There are 2 species in the genus Zorotypus in North America. The other species (Z. snyderi) occurs in Florida and the tropics. These insects live in groups in sawdust and under bark, although they are not social. They are fungus eaters. Winged individuals (with eyes) also occur, but the wings are soon shed. They probably can not be found farther north or west than east central Nebraska.

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