A common misconception about Zoraptera is that they are small termites. This misconception is false, they are not termites.

The Zoraptera are a very small order of insects, there are about 30 known species. They are also small in size being less than 3 mm long. They are unusual in that each species comes in two different forms, one of which is 'alate' (has wings) and the other is 'apterous' (doesn’t have wings). Although they are commonly confused with termites they are related to them. Like their relatives, the termites, they can voluntarily shed their wings. Little is known about the biology of Zorapterans, but it is known that two forms of nymphs occur that equate with the two different life-forms. They are usually found in well composted leaf-litter and termites nests. They feed on fungal spores and smaller arthropods.