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Ants The sheer abundance of ants indicates their importance in the ecology of the prairie. All prairie ants can be characterized as meat-eaters (invertebrate flesh) with a sweet-tooth (honeydew and extrafloral nectar), but they fall into several discernible guilds. |
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Archeaognatha: bristletails Bristletails are a group of small wingless insects that resemble silverfish (Thysanura) but unlike the fast running silverfish, bristletails can jump distances up to 10 centimetres by flexing their abdomens when disturbed. |
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Phthiraptera: lice Lice are small, wingless insects that are parasites of birds and mammals. They are usually less than 10 millimetres in length and are rarely seen without the aid of a microscope or magnifying glass. |
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Praying mantids Praying mantids get their name from the appearance of their front legs, which they hold in a "prayerlike" manner. "Mantid" derives from a Greek word meaning "prophet" or "seer." |
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Siphonaptera: fleas Fleas are small, wingless insects ranging in size from approximately 1-10 millimetres in length depending on the species. |
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Termites Termites are an ancient order of insects whose origins date back more than 100 million years to the Cretaceous period. |
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Thysanura: silverfish These fast running insects have become common inhabitants of manmade dwellings and are often found in dark sheltered areas about the home. |
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