Which order is wingless hexapods with internal mouthparts and a peg-like collophore for water absorption, plus a tail-like spring furcula?

Which order is wingless hexapods with internal mouthparts and a peg-like collophore for water absorption, plus a tail-like spring furcula?

• A. Diplura
• B. Collembola
• C. Protura
• D. Thysanura

Answer: (B)

Think about the combination of features that identify these tiny wingless hexapods. The mouthparts being internal means the mouthparts are tucked inside the head, not sticking out. The peg-like collophore on the first abdominal segment is a specialized tube used for absorbing water, helping these animals stay hydrated in their damp microhabitats. The tail-like spring furcula on the underside of the abdomen is a forked jumping organ that they snap to launch themselves into the air. Having all three—internal mouthparts, a collophore for water absorption, and a springing furcula—is characteristic of Collembola. Other wingless hexapods don’t display this exact combination: Diplura lack a furcula and rely on different tail structures, Protura lack a furcula and have very compact bodies with internal mouthparts, and Thysanura have external mouthparts and three tail filaments but no collophore. So the order described is Collembola.

Think about the combination of features that identify these tiny wingless hexapods. The mouthparts being internal means the mouthparts are tucked inside the head, not sticking out. The peg-like collophore on the first abdominal segment is a specialized tube used for absorbing water, helping these animals stay hydrated in their damp microhabitats. The tail-like spring furcula on the underside of the abdomen is a forked jumping organ that they snap to launch themselves into the air.

Having all three—internal mouthparts, a collophore for water absorption, and a springing furcula—is characteristic of Collembola. Other wingless hexapods don’t display this exact combination: Diplura lack a furcula and rely on different tail structures, Protura lack a furcula and have very compact bodies with internal mouthparts, and Thysanura have external mouthparts and three tail filaments but no collophore. So the order described is Collembola.