Grylloblattodea

Grylloblattodea, often called ice crawlers or rock crawlers, represent a small and enigmatic order of insects. These insects are notable for their unusual habitat preferences, typically being found in cold, damp environments such as caves, under rocks, or in leaf litter in mountainous regions. They are primarily nocturnal and are detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter. A distinguishing feature of grylloblattids is their physical appearance, which blends characteristics of both cockroaches and crickets. They possess long antennae, a flattened body, and long, slender legs adapted for running. Unlike many insects, they are wingless in all life stages. Their cryptic nature and preference for inaccessible habitats have made them difficult to study, and their evolutionary relationships have been a subject of much debate among entomologists. Currently, only a few dozen species are known, all belonging to the single order Grylloblattodea. Their life cycle is slow, with nymphs undergoing multiple molts before reaching adulthood. The order is considered a relict group, suggesting a much wider distribution and diversity in the past.