Lachesillidae

Definition

A family of barklice and booklice in the order Psocodea, suborder Psocomorpha, comprising more than 400 described species. Diagnostic features include a rounded, free areola postica (a detached cell in the anal region of the forewing) and, in males, diverse sclerotized genitalic structures. The family is dominated by the large genus Lachesilla.

Etymology

From Lachesilla, the type genus, + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Lachesilla pedicularia, a widespread stored-product pest, belongs to Lachesillidae and can be distinguished from other psocid families by its wing venation.

Related Terms

• Psocodea
• Psocomorpha
• Lachesilla
• areola postica
• barklice
• booklice
• Psocoptera

Usage Notes

Family rank; monophyly supported by wing venation and male genitalic characters. Formerly treated within paraphyletic Psocoptera, now firmly placed in Psocodea. Identification to family level requires slide-mounted wing preparations or careful examination of male genitalia.