Trogiomorpha

Definition

A suborder of Psocodea comprising approximately eight families and more than 430 described species of barklice and booklice. Trogiomorpha is widely regarded as the earliest-diverging lineage among the three major psocodean suborders (alongside Troctomorpha and Psocomorpha) and retains the most plesiomorphic morphological characteristics of the group.

Etymology

Example

Members of the family Lepidopsocidae, placed in Trogiomorpha, exhibit the suborder's characteristic retention of ancestral traits such as well-developed mandibles and a more generalized body plan compared to the more derived Troctomorpha and Psocomorpha.

Related Terms

• Troctomorpha
• Psocomorpha
• Psocodea
• Psocoptera
• barklice
• booklice
• plesiomorphic

Usage Notes

The classification of Psocodea has undergone revision; Trogiomorpha was historically placed in Psocoptera before that order was subsumed into the expanded order Psocodea. The suborder is distinguished from Troctomorpha and Psocomorpha primarily by plesiomorphic characters and molecular phylogenetic position rather than by single obvious synapomorphies. Trogiomorpha contains no parasitic lice, which are restricted to Troctomorpha (as the clade Phthiraptera).