Peripsocus madidus
This record describes Peripsocus madidus (species). Recorded family: Peripsocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
note the phallosome Det. D. Young, 2019 possibly the most prevalent psocid in the USA! … Diane Young, 28 October, 2018
Identification notes
note the phallosome Det. D. Young, 2019
Wikipedia reference for Peripsocus madidus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripsocus_madidus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Psocomorpha
- Family
- Peripsocidae (Stout Barklice)
- Genus
- Peripsocus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
bark and branches of broad-leaf as well as coniferous trees
Geographic Range
e NA (TX-FL-NS-IA), + CA - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Peripsocus madidus (Hagen 1861)
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Peripsocus madidus. 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 Peripsocus madidus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Peripsocus madidus
What is Peripsocus madidus?
Peripsocus madidus is a species in the family Peripsocidae, within the order Psocodea.
How big is Peripsocus madidus?
~ 3.2 mm
How do you identify Peripsocus madidus?
note the phallosome Det. D. Young, 2019
Where is Peripsocus madidus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | bark and branches of broad-leaf as well as coniferous trees |
| Range | e NA (TX-FL-NS-IA), + CA - Map |