Lachesilla punctata
This record describes Lachesilla punctata (species). Recorded family: Lachesillidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Forewings | Forewings marked as L. nubilis . |
| Head | Head and thorax pale to medium brown, middle of vertex and frons, median eye borders, and postclypeus medium brown, remainder pale brown; thoracic notal lobes medium brown. Surrounding cuticle pale, thoracic pleura variegated pale and medium brown. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Psocomorpha
- Family
- Lachesillidae (Fateful Barklice)
- Genus
- Lachesilla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
dead leaves of various herbaceous plants and dead persistent tree leaves
Geographic Range
southern California (north to the San Francisco area) to New Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lachesilla punctata (Banks 1905)
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Lachesilla punctata. 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 Lachesilla punctata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lachesilla punctata
What is Lachesilla punctata?
Lachesilla punctata is a species in the family Lachesillidae, within the order Psocodea.
How do you identify Lachesilla punctata?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Forewings | Forewings marked as L. nubilis . |
| Head | Head and thorax pale to medium brown, middle of vertex and frons, median eye borders, and postclypeus medium brown, remainder pale brown; thoracic notal lobes medium brown. Surrounding cuticle pale, thoracic pleura variegated pale and medium brown. |
Where is Lachesilla punctata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | dead leaves of various herbaceous plants and dead persistent tree leaves |
| Range | southern California (north to the San Francisco area) to New Mexico |