Pachytroctidae

Definition

A family of thick barklice (order Psocodea, parvorder Troctomorpha) comprising roughly 15 genera and at least 90 described species. Members are small, dorsoventrally flattened psocopterans that inhabit leaf litter, bark, and moss in tropical and subtropical forests, distinguished from the related Lepidopsocidae by broader wing venation and a more robust body form.

Etymology

From Greek pachys (thick, stout) + troktos (gnawing, nibbling) + -idae (family suffix), referring to the family's relatively robust body compared to other Troctomorpha.

Example

Genera such as Pachytroctes and Belonogaster in Pachytroctidae are collected by sifting humid forest litter, where they feed on fungal hyphae and detritus.

Related Terms

• Psocodea
• Troctomorpha
• barklice
• Lepidopsocidae
• Psocoptera

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as a subfamily within Lepidopsocidae; elevated to family rank based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies. The common name "thick barklice" distinguishes them from the more gracile "slender barklice" (Lepidopsocidae). Identification to genus often requires slide-mounted specimens and examination of wing venation and genitalic structures.