Polypsocus corruptus
This record describes Polypsocus corruptus (species). Recorded family: Amphipsocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance

Males have longer wings and a white crescent half way along the wings, while the females have a clear line running down the distal edge of the wings, and they do appear about 1/4 shorter then they are. In addition females hold their wings in a strange manner for most Psocoptera, domed like the hard elytra of a beetle.
Wikipedia reference for Polypsocus corruptus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypsocus_corruptus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Psocomorpha
- Family
- Amphipsocidae (Hairy-winged Barklice)
- Genus
- Polypsocus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On leaves of various plants
Geographic Range
Eastern and Pacific states
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polypsocus corruptus (Hagen 1861)
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Polypsocus corruptus. 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 Polypsocus corruptus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Polypsocus corruptus
What is Polypsocus corruptus?
Polypsocus corruptus is a species in the family Amphipsocidae, within the order Psocodea.
How do you identify Polypsocus corruptus?
Males have longer wings and a white crescent half way along the wings, while the females have a clear line running down the distal edge of the wings, and they do appear about 1/4 shorter then they are. In addition females hold their wings in a strange manner for most Psocoptera, domed like the hard elytra of a beetle.
Where is Polypsocus corruptus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | On leaves of various plants |
| Range | Eastern and Pacific states |
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