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Major Subgroups of Hexapoda
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The Hexapoda are classified as a superclass with four classes (Collembola, Protura, Diplura, and Insecta; Carpenter 1992). The Collembola, Protura, and Diplura each contains a single order, while Insecta consists of many orders.
Class
| Collembola (springtail) |  |
Litter/soil dwellers distributed world-wide furcula on abdomen 6000 known species Length: 1-3 mm (up to 10mm) |
| Protura |  |
Litter/soil dweller distributed world-wide No antennae and eyes 500 known species Length: less than 2 mm |
| Diplura |  |
Live in wetter conditions Moniliform antennae with at least 20 segments Cerci on abdomen, sometimes pincer-like 800 known species Length: 5mm (up to 50mm) |
| Insecta |  |
Live in various locations world-wide Diverse in form Largest class of living organisms (75% of all species) Length: varied |