PsocodeaAmphipsocidae – Hairy-winged Barklice2 data sources

Polypsocus corruptus

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

Identification and Appearance

Polypsocus corruptus - Polypsocus corruptus
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov

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.

Explore Psocodea families and species →

Photos of Polypsocus corruptus (3)

Polypsocus corruptus - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Polypsocus corruptus - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Polypsocus corruptus - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov

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?
FeatureDetails
HabitatOn leaves of various plants
RangeEastern and Pacific states

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.