Reticulate-winged Trogiid
Lepinotus reticulatus
This record describes Lepinotus reticulatus (species). Recorded family: Trogiidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Lepinotus reticulatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepinotus_reticulatus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
usually in outdoor habitats, but common in stored grain in the US
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan , of unknown origin
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lepinotus reticulatus Enderlein 1905
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Lepinotus reticulatus. 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 Reticulate-winged Trogiid (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum