Asiopsocus
Günther, 1968
Species Guides
1Asiopsocus is a of barklice and booklice in the Asiopsocidae, established by Günther in 1968. The genus comprises seven described distributed across Asia, North America, and Mexico. Members of this genus are small, winged psocopterans belonging to the infraorder Caeciliusetae. Reproductive has been studied in at least one species, A. sonorensis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asiopsocus: /ˌeɪsioʊˈpsoʊkəs/
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Identification
Asiopsocus can be distinguished from other Caeciliusetae by characters of the wing venation and genitalia, though specific diagnostic features for the require examination of and original descriptions. The Asiopsocidae is characterized by particular arrangements of setae and wing venation patterns that separate it from related families such as Caeciliusidae.
Distribution
The has a disjunct distribution spanning temperate and subtropical regions. Described occur in Mongolia (A. mongolicus), southern Europe (A. meridionalis), Mexico (A. sonorensis, A. tehuacanus), the southwestern United States (A. sonorensis), the United Arab Emirates (A. vanharteni), and China (A. wulingshanensis).
Ecological Role
As with other psocopterans in the infraorder Caeciliusetae, of Asiopsocus likely function as in their , contributing to nutrient cycling through consumption of decaying organic matter, , and lichens.
Similar Taxa
- CaeciliusBoth belong to the infraorder Caeciliusetae and share general body plan and wing venation patterns, but Asiopsocus is distinguished by -level characters including specific arrangements of setae on the wings and body.
- Asiopsocidae (other genera)Within the Asiopsocidae, Asiopsocus is distinguished from other by combinations of wing venation details, genitalic , and geographic distribution.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Asiopsocidae was established to accommodate previously placed in Caeciliusidae but distinguished by particular morphological characters. Asiopsocus was the type genus of this family when established by Günther in 1968.
Species diversity
Seven have been described: A. meridionalis (Spain, 1981), A. mongolicus (Mongolia, 1968), A. sonorensis (Mexico/USA, 1976), A. spinosus (Mexico, 2005), A. tehuacanus (Mexico, 1995), A. vanharteni (UAE, 1995), and A. wulingshanensis (China, 2002). The shows a notable biogeographic pattern with species in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions.