Firebrat

The firebrat (Thermobia domestica) is a small insect (typically 1–1.5 cm) in the order Zygentoma.^[1]

Firebrat
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Zygentoma
Family:	Lepismatidae
Genus:	Thermobia
Species:	T. domestica
Binomial name
Thermobia domestica (Packard, 1873)
Synonyms
Lepisma domestica Packard, 1873 Lepismodes inquilinus Newman, 1863 Lepisma furnorum Rovelli, 1884

Habitat

Firebrats prefer relatively warm temperatures (36–39 °C) and require some humidity.^[2] They are commonly found indoors near heat sources such as furnaces and boilers. They feed on a wide variety of carbohydrates and starches that are also protein sources such as dog food, flour and book bindings. They are distributed throughout most parts of the world and are normally found outdoors under rocks, plant litter, and in similar environments, but are also often found indoors where they are considered pests. They do not cause major damage, but they can contaminate food, damage paper goods, and stain clothing. Otherwise they are mostly harmless.

Behavior

Historically, it had been assumed that communal behavior in firebrats was induced by pheromones,^[3] though this is contested. Modern research suggests communal behavior stems from microbes and fungi found in the feces of other firebrats.^[4]

Breeding

At 1.5 to 4.5 months of age the female firebrat begins laying eggs if the temperature is right (32–41 °C or 90–106 °F). It may lay up to 6000 eggs in a lifetime of about 3–5 years. After incubation (12–13 days), the nymphs hatch. They may reach maturity in as little as 2–4 months, resulting in several generations each year.

Meiosis

The sequential changes occurring during the prophase I stage of meiosis in T. domestica ovaries have been described in detail.^[5]