Blaste osceola
This record describes Blaste osceola (species). Recorded family: Psocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
...this may be Blaste osceola because of the smudge along vein Cua1 in the forewing. It is only slightly developed in the male, but it is present. The pterostigma is more extensively dark than in most of my specimens, but there is a lot of variation in that. --E.L. Mockford
Classification
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Blaste osceola Mockford 1984
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Blaste osceola. 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 Blaste osceola (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by v belov