Bertkauia crosbyana
This record describes Bertkauia crosbyana (species). Recorded family: Epipsocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Body in general shades of brown, but there is considerable variation in body markings. This species has a much wider range than Bertkauia lepicidinaria.
Wikipedia reference for Bertkauia crosbyana: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertkauia_crosbyana.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Psocomorpha
- Family
- Epipsocidae (Elliptical Barklice)
- Genus
- Bertkauia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland ground litter. One rare male was taken on foilage of Virginia pine.
Geographic Range
Occurs throughout the eastern United States, southeastern Canada, the Turtle Mountains of Manitoba, the Black Hills of South Dakots, psrts of the southern Rocky Mountains, northwestern Washington, and southeastern British Columbia. Has also been recorded in San Cristobal State, Mexico.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is parthenogenetic, but males, although rare, have been recorded.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bertkauia crosbyana Chapman 1930
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Bertkauia crosbyana. 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 Bertkauia crosbyana (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov , Diane Young
Frequently Asked Questions About Bertkauia crosbyana
What is Bertkauia crosbyana?
Bertkauia crosbyana is a species in the family Epipsocidae, within the order Psocodea.
How do you identify Bertkauia crosbyana?
Body in general shades of brown, but there is considerable variation in body markings.
Where is Bertkauia crosbyana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodland ground litter. One rare male was taken on foilage of Virginia pine. |
| Range | Occurs throughout the eastern United States, southeastern Canada, the Turtle Mountains of Manitoba, the Black Hills of South Dakots, psrts of the southern Rocky Mountains, northwestern Washington, and southeastern British Columbia. Has also been recorded in San Cristobal State, Mexico. |
What is the life cycle of a Bertkauia crosbyana?
This species is parthenogenetic, but males, although rare, have been recorded.