Ptiloneuridae

Definition

A family of small, often gregarious psocids (order Psocodea, suborder Psocomorpha, infraorder Epipsocetae) characterized by a labrum bearing two sclerotized ridges—a diagnostic synapomorphy of the Epipsocetae. Members are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, where they inhabit leaf litter, bark, and foliage.

Etymology

From Greek ptilon (feather, wing) + neuron (sinew, tendon), referring to wing venation characteristics.

Example

Ptiloneuridae species in the genus Ptiloneura display the characteristic epipsocetan labral ridges and are commonly collected from dead leaves in Neotropical forests.

Related Terms

• Psocodea
• Psocomorpha
• Epipsocetae
• Psocoptera
• barklice
• Labrum
• Sclerotization

Usage Notes

The family is distinguished from related epipsocetan families (Epipsocidae, Cladiopsocidae, Dolabellopsocidae) by combinations of wing venation, areola postica shape, and male genitalic structures. Formerly included in a broader concept of Epipsocidae; current circumscription follows recent phylogenetic revisions of Psocodea. The infraorder Epipsocetae is one of the major clades within Psocomorpha, with Ptiloneuridae representing one of its more species-rich families in the New World tropics.