[3] The name "diplura", or "two tails", refers to the characteristic pair of caudal appendages or filaments at the terminal end of the body.

[6] The abdomens of diplurans bear eversible vesicles, which seem to absorb moisture from the environment and help with the animal's water balance.

[7] Diplurans are common in moist soil, leaf litter or humus,[11] but are rarely seen because of their size and subterranean lifestyles.

Males lay up to 200 spermatophores a week, which are held off the ground by short stalks and probably only remain viable for about two days.

[11] The female collects the spermatophore with her genital opening, and later lays eggs in a cavity in the ground.

[10][6][11] The hatchlings (or nymphs) do not undergo metamorphosis, but resemble the adults, apart from their smaller size, lesser number of setae and their lack of reproductive organs.