Peripsocus potosi
This record describes Peripsocus potosi (species). Recorded family: Peripsocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
Forewing pattern distinctive: Fig.239 in earliest record in our area: FL 1983
Identification notes
Forewing pattern distinctive: Fig.239 in
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
on branches of oak, sand pine, and juniper
Geographic Range
Likely adventive in our area (FL, recorded from Citrus, Highlands and Lee cos.); Mexico to Columbia; W.Indies
Diet and Behavior
Life History
parthenogenetic (1 male specimen known)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Peripsocus potosi Mockford 1971
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Peripsocus potosi. 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 potosi (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Diane Young; Additional contributions by v belov , KenW
Frequently Asked Questions About Peripsocus potosi
What is Peripsocus potosi?
Peripsocus potosi is a species in the family Peripsocidae, within the order Psocodea.
How do you identify Peripsocus potosi?
Forewing pattern distinctive: Fig.239 in
Where is Peripsocus potosi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on branches of oak, sand pine, and juniper |
| Range | Likely adventive in our area (FL, recorded from Citrus, Highlands and Lee cos.); Mexico to Columbia; W.Indies |
What is the life cycle of a Peripsocus potosi?
parthenogenetic (1 male specimen known)