Amphigerontia bifasciata
This record describes Amphigerontia bifasciata (species). Recorded family: Psocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
holarctic, widespread in both Eurasia & NA; in our area, mountains & coastal lowlands in both the eastern and west, as well as in lowland areas in between (E.L. Mockford, pers.comm. to =v= 16.ii.2013)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amphigerontia bifasciata (Latreille 1799)
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Amphigerontia bifasciata. 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 Amphigerontia bifasciata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov