Indiopsocus lacteus
This record describes Indiopsocus lacteus (species). Recorded family: Psocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Dets. D. Young, male & female Type Locality: Texas, Hays, San Marcos: Thousand Oaks Loop (spmn in the INHS)
Identification notes
Dets. D. Young, male & female
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Psocomorpha
- Family
- Psocidae (Common Barklice)
- Subfamily
- Psocinae
- Tribe
- Ptyctini
- Genus
- Indiopsocus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Asso. with Juniperus ashei (Cupressaceae) (a species found mostly in central Texas).
Geographic Range
Known only from central Texas
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "The name refers to the pallid white ground color of this species (Latin, lacteus = milky white)."
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Indiopsocus lacteus. 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 Indiopsocus lacteus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiopsocus lacteus
What is Indiopsocus lacteus?
Indiopsocus lacteus is a species in the family Psocidae, within the order Psocodea.
How do you identify Indiopsocus lacteus?
Dets. D. Young, male & female
Where is Indiopsocus lacteus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Asso. with Juniperus ashei (Cupressaceae) (a species found mostly in central Texas). |
| Range | Known only from central Texas |