PsocodeaPsocidae – Common Barklice

Blastopsocus goodrichi

This record describes Blastopsocus goodrichi (species). Recorded family: Psocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.

Identification and Appearance

Blastopsocus goodrichi - Blastopsocus goodrichi
Contributed by Diane Young

Forewings unmarked, hypandrium with a pale triangular mark.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
Suborder
Psocomorpha
Family
Psocidae (Common Barklice)
Subfamily
Amphigerontiinae
Genus
Blastopsocus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Found on tree trunks and branches of various trees including Juniper, and pine.

Geographic Range

Recorded from Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Named after Michael A. Goodrich who "sent me an important early lot of specimens".

About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group

Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Blastopsocus goodrichi. 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.

Explore Psocodea families and species →

Photos of Blastopsocus goodrichi (2)

Blastopsocus goodrichi - photo 1
Contributed by Diane Young
Blastopsocus goodrichi - photo 2
Contributed by Diane Young

Photo credits: Contributed by Diane Young

Frequently Asked Questions About Blastopsocus goodrichi

What is Blastopsocus goodrichi?

Blastopsocus goodrichi is a species in the family Psocidae, within the order Psocodea.

How big is Blastopsocus goodrichi?

male 3.6 mm female 4.1 mm

How do you identify Blastopsocus goodrichi?

Forewings unmarked, hypandrium with a pale triangular mark.

Where is Blastopsocus goodrichi found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatFound on tree trunks and branches of various trees including Juniper, and pine.
RangeRecorded from Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Diane Young. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.