Cat Biting Louse
Felicola subrostratus
This record describes Felicola subrostratus (species). Recorded family: Trichodectidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Cat Biting Louse (Felicola subrostratus) is a species in the family Trichodectidae, belonging to the order Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice). It is classified within the suborder Psocomorpha. This species belongs to the genus Felicola.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Psocomorpha
- Family
- Trichodectidae
- Genus
- Felicola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: domestic and wild cats
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Felicola subrostratus (Nitzsch in Burmeister 1838)
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Felicola subrostratus. 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 Cat Biting Louse (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov