Description

• Oligotoma is a genus of webspinners in the order Embioptera. These small, elongated insects have flexible bodies, short legs, and enlarged front feet containing silk-producing glands. They spin fine silk to construct protective galleries and tunnels beneath bark, among leaf litter, on rocks, and across other sheltered surfaces. Their colouration is generally brown to dark brown, and females are typically wingless, while males of some species have wings.

Range

• Species of Oligotoma occur in warm regions, particularly tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Some species have spread beyond their original ranges through human activity. The genus is represented in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• Oligotoma species inhabit sheltered terrestrial environments, including beneath tree bark, among dead leaves, in crevices, and on rocks or walls. They construct silken galleries that protect them from predators and drying conditions. Some species also occur around buildings and other human-made structures.

Diet

• Oligotoma are primarily detritivores and herbivores, feeding on algae, lichens, mosses, dead plant material, and other organic matter scraped from surfaces. Their feeding helps recycle organic material within their habitats.