Booklouse
Liposcelis bostrychophila
This record describes Liposcelis bostrychophila (species). Recorded family: Liposcelididae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Claimed to be the commonest NA booklouse, though other spp. may be going under this name . Although it undergoes obligate parthenogenetic reproduction, there is considerable variability in populations in domestic and commercial facilities. Morphologically the populations differ in body size and color.
Wikipedia reference for Liposcelis bostrychophila: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liposcelis_bostrychophila.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Troctomorpha
- Family
- Liposcelididae (Booklice)
- Subfamily
- Embidopsocinae
- Genus
- Liposcelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Common domestic species ( 5 )
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan, of unknown origin (considered non-native in Europe) ; throughout NA ; probably dispersed with food materials
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel 1931
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Liposcelis bostrychophila. 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 Booklouse (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov