Aaroniella maculosa
This record describes Aaroniella maculosa (species). Recorded family: Philotarsidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Usually keyed by marking on lateral thorax. Thoracic pleura marked with a single broad, dark band. This distinction is not always easy to determine. If the specimen is male, it is more than likely to be A. maculosa since this is the only sexual species in North America. This species, like A. badonneli, spin webs on the trunks of trees.
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.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Bottomland forest of sycamore, cottonwood, silver maple, hackberry, honey locust, oaks and elms.
Geographic Range
Most of eastern U.S.
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Aaroniella maculosa. 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 maculosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Diane Young
Frequently Asked Questions About Aaroniella maculosa
What is Aaroniella maculosa?
Aaroniella maculosa is a species in the family Philotarsidae, within the order Psocodea.
How big is Aaroniella maculosa?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | ~ 2.8 mm |
| Females | ~ 3.1 mm |
How do you identify Aaroniella maculosa?
Usually keyed by marking on lateral thorax. Thoracic pleura marked with a single broad, dark band. This distinction is not always easy to determine. If the specimen is male, it is more than likely to be A. maculosa since this is the only sexual species in North America.
Where is Aaroniella maculosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Bottomland forest of sycamore, cottonwood, silver maple, hackberry, honey locust, oaks and elms. |
| Range | Most of eastern U.S. |