Two-tailed Bristletail

Diplura

Two-tailed bristletails are small, primitive hexapods that are pale and translucent. They do not have eyes and typically measure between 3 to 10 mm in length. These creatures are characterised by the presence of two long cerci at their rear, distinguishing them from true bristletails (Archaeognatha) and silverfish, which have a third central tail filament. As scavengers, they mainly consume decaying plant material, fungi, and dead insects. They are often under-recorded due to their secretive behaviour and prefer dark, humid environments where they can avoid light. Common habitats include areas under fallen logs, rotting wood, stones, rocks, and in damp garden compost or leaf litter.