Psocomorpha

Definition

A suborder of barklice (order Psocodea) comprising the majority of psocopteran diversity, with more than 20 families and over 5,300 described species. Members are characterized by their small size, soft bodies, and habit of living on vegetation, bark, or in leaf litter, where they feed primarily on algae, lichens, and organic detritus. The group includes both free-living forms and several families that have independently evolved eusociality or subsocial behavior.

Etymology

From Greek psōchos (to rub or grind) + morphe (form), referring to the gnawing mouthparts typical of the group.

Example

The family Psocidae, a large and common group within Psocomorpha, includes species frequently found on tree trunks and fences in temperate regions.

Related Terms

• Psocodea
• Psocoptera
• Trogiomorpha
• Troctomorpha
• barklice
• psocid
• Phthiraptera

Usage Notes

Psocomorpha is one of three traditional suborders of Psocoptera (now often treated as the parvorder Psocomorpha within order Psocodea, which also includes parasitic lice). The group is distinguished from Trogiomorpha and Troctomorpha by features of wing venation, pretarsal claws, and male genitalia. Many Psocomorpha have been reclassified into families multiple times, so older literature may use different family circumscriptions.