This is a small group of minute insects. They are infrequently encountered, and poorly known. The order name is based on the Greek words zoros (pure), a (without), and pteron (wing). There are only about 30 species described, all in the family Zorotypidae.
Characteristics
Angel insects are only about 3 mm long, with a wing span of 7 mm. They are dimorphic: a wingless form that lacks eyes, ocelli, and is only slightly pigmented, and a winged form (Fig.
49) that bears eyes, ocelli, and is darker in color. They have chewing mouthparts. The antennae are filiform, and consist of nine segments. The legs are unspecialized, the tarsi 2-segmented. The wings have simplified venation, and the wings can be shed, as is the case with termites. The abdomen is cylindrical and consists of 11 segments. Very short, 1-segmented cerci occur near the tip of the abdomen. Metamorphosis is not pronounced.
Gurney AB (1938) A synopsis of the order Zoraptera with notes on the biology of Zorotypus hubbardi Caudell. Proc Entomol Soc Wash 40:57–87Google Scholar
