Liposcelidae

Definition

A family of small, dorsoventrally flattened psocids (order Psocodea, suborder Troctomorpha) commonly known as booklice or barklice. Most species are apterous, with the mesothorax and metathorax fused in wingless forms; winged morphs occur in some tropical species. Members inhabit leaf litter, bark, stored products, and human dwellings, where several species are pests of books, paper, and stored foodstuffs.

Etymology

From Greek lipos (fat, grease) + Latin cella (small room, cell), possibly alluding to habitat or body form

Example

Liposcelis bostrychophila, a cosmopolitan species in Liposcelidae, infests grain stores and herbarium collections, causing damage to dried plant specimens and packaged foods.

Synonyms

• Liposcelididae (alternate spelling)

Related Terms

• Psocodea
• Troctomorpha
• booklice
• Apterous
• stored-product entomology
• Psocoptera (obsolete order name)

Usage Notes

Spelling varies: Liposcelidae (preferred) vs. Liposcelididae (older sources). The family is distinguished from other Troctomorpha by reduced wing venation when wings are present and by the fused thoracic structure in apterous forms. Identification to species requires examination of genitalic and antennal characters. Not to be confused with Psoquillidae, another family of flattened psocids with different tarsal segmentation.