Ectopsocus briggsi
This record describes Ectopsocus briggsi (species). Recorded family: Ectopsocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
E. briggsi and E. californicus are difficult to distinguish except on a slide even when you have them on hand, and photos are much more difficult. Apparently now, E. briggsi has become established in spots along the east coast, so that both species occur now on both coasts. Males tend to be somewhat variable in color. -E.L. Mockford, pers. comm. to =v= 31.v.2013
Wikipedia reference for Ectopsocus briggsi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectopsocus_briggsi.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Psocomorpha
- Family
- Ectopsocidae (Outer Barklice)
- Genus
- Ectopsocus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurs indoors associated with stored food, herbs, and fruits
Geographic Range
probably cosmopolitan, of unclear origin ; reported from houses along the US Pacific coast, and in households in the UK
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ectopsocus briggsi McLachlan 1899
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Ectopsocus briggsi. 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 Ectopsocus briggsi (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ectopsocus briggsi
What is Ectopsocus briggsi?
Ectopsocus briggsi is a species in the family Ectopsocidae, within the order Psocodea.
How do you identify Ectopsocus briggsi?
E. briggsi and E. californicus are difficult to distinguish except on a slide even when you have them on hand, and photos are much more difficult. Apparently now, E. briggsi has become established in spots along the east coast, so that both species occur now on both coasts. Males tend to be somewhat variable in color. -E.L. Mockford, pers. comm. to =v= 31.v.2013
Where is Ectopsocus briggsi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Occurs indoors associated with stored food, herbs, and fruits |
| Range | probably cosmopolitan, of unclear origin ; reported from houses along the US Pacific coast, and in households in the UK |