Bristletails are small wingless insects that belong to Order Archeognatha resembling a silverfish (Order Thysanura). But compared to the fast running silverfish, bristletails can leap distances of up to ten centimeters. They flex their abdomens when they are disturbed and then jump. Archeognatha is derived from the Greek words archeo (ancient) and gnatha (jaw). Insects belonging to this Order have mandibles connected to the head capsule.

Among other species, bristletails are among the least evolved insects, first appearing in the Devonian period together with the Arachnids. Bristletails are scattered worldwide. Mostly living in wooded or grassy habitats, they are usually found under barks, leaf litters, near the upper tidal line in coastal areas, or among stones. They are one of the unusual insects in the world because they can live even in the Arctic region.

Bristletails have a grayish body color and are less than 20 millimeters in length. Mostly active at night, bristletails are herbivores or scavengers that feed on mosses, algae, decaying organic matter, or lichens.