Aaroniella badonneli
This record describes Aaroniella badonneli (species). Recorded family: Philotarsidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Was first described from Sukhumi on the Black Sea coast and from Tbilisi. It is supposedly holarctic, but I am not so sure. It is entirely parthenogenetic and probably gets around rather readily on imported plants. Danks found it in abundance on Buxus in the botanical gardens. It appears to be very closely related to A. maculosa , a native North American species, and so, I believe it is also probably native to North America. (Ed Mockford, pers. comm. =v=)
Wikipedia reference for Aaroniella badonneli: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaroniella_badonneli.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Psocomorpha
- Family
- Philotarsidae (Loving Barklice)
- Genus
- Aaroniella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Aaroniella badonneli. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Psocodea includes ~11,000 described species of booklice, barklice, and parasitic lice. Booklice (Psocoptera) are among the most common household insects, thriving in humid environments where they feed on mold and fungi.
Ecological role of the group
Barklice are important decomposers that feed on algae, lichens, and fungi on tree bark. They help recycle nutrients in forest ecosystems. Parasitic lice have co-evolved with their hosts for millions of years, providing insights into host evolutionary history.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) affect an estimated 6-12 million children aged 3-11 in the U.S. annually (CDC). The U.S. lice treatment market is valued at over $1 billion per year.
Recorded sources for this group: CDC, dermatology research, entomology textbooks. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Aaroniella badonneli (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis , Robert Lord Zimlich