Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice
Psocodea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Psocodea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psocodea: //ˌsoʊsəˈdiːə//
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Images
Summary
Psocodea is an order of small, soft-bodied insects comprising bark lice, book lice, and parasitic lice. They vary in diet and habitat, with significant ecological roles as detritivores.
Physical Characteristics
Typically 1.5-5 mm (up to 10 mm; rarely under 1 mm) in length; small, soft-bodied insects with chewing mandibles, a swollen forehead, large compound eyes, and three ocelli; may have wings held tent-like over the body; parthenogenic with considerable variability among individuals in the same species; some can spin silk.
Identification Tips
Wingless species may be mistaken for bedbug nymphs; they have slender legs adapted for jumping rather than gripping.
Habitat
Barklice are found outdoors in a variety of habitats, often on trees where they feed on algae and lichen; booklice are commonly found in homes, particularly in areas with starchy materials.
Distribution
Widespread; a number of species are cosmopolitan and have spread through human activity.
Diet
Barklice feed on algae, lichen, and fungi; booklice primarily feed on starchy materials, including the glue in book bindings and stored grains.
Life Cycle
Some species undergo six nymphal stages; eggs are laid in crevices or on foliage; few species are viviparous; the young are miniature, wingless versions of adults.
Reproduction
Males perform a courtship dance accompanied by sounds from their coxae; many species are parthenogenic, typically as thelytoky.
Ecosystem Role
They play a role in decomposition by feeding on detritus, particularly in environments with fewer predatory microarthropods.
Economic Impact
Some species, such as Liposcelis bostrychophila, are common pests of stored products, though most psocids have little economic significance as they primarily inhabit woodlands.
Health Concerns
They do not bite humans and are generally not considered a health concern.
Collecting Methods
- Using sticky traps in infested areas
- Sampling leaf litter and bark
- Rubbing surfaces to collect specimens
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol (70% or higher)
- Acylic resin mounts
- Freezing for a period to kill pests before storage
Evolution
Psocodea is believed to have evolved from within the former order Psocoptera, which was paraphyletic; they are considered primitive hemipteroids.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Psocids are often confused with parasites due to their association with lice, but they are primarily scavengers and do not feed on blood.
Tags
- insects
- scavengers
- psocodea
- barklice
- booklice
- parasitic lice