Rhyopsocus celtis
This record describes Rhyopsocus celtis (species). Recorded family: Psoquillidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head and pronotum marked as in Fig. 7 . Compound eyes black. Remainder of head pale beige with a brown band from antennal base to compound eye and three small brown spots in middle of facial region, indicating positions of ocelli. |
| Antennae | Antennae brown. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum brown; remainder of thorax, including legs and forewings pale beige; hindwings colorless; sparse reddish-brown subcuticular pigment particles along thoracic dorsal midline and around wing bases. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
- Suborder
- Trogiomorpha
- Family
- Psoquillidae (Bird Nest Barklice)
- Genus
- Rhyopsocus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Found in hackberry and cottonwood leaf litter.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species name refers to the genus of hackberry trees in the leaf litter of which these psocids have been found.
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Rhyopsocus celtis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhyopsocus celtis
What is Rhyopsocus celtis?
Rhyopsocus celtis is a species in the family Psoquillidae, within the order Psocodea.
How big is Rhyopsocus celtis?
BL ≈ 1.4mm (male), 1.6mm (female) FW ≈ 0.4mm (male & female)
How do you identify Rhyopsocus celtis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head and pronotum marked as in Fig. 7 . Compound eyes black. Remainder of head pale beige with a brown band from antennal base to compound eye and three small brown spots in middle of facial region, indicating positions of ocelli. |
| Antennae | Antennae brown. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum brown; remainder of thorax, including legs and forewings pale beige; hindwings colorless; sparse reddish-brown subcuticular pigment particles along thoracic dorsal midline and around wing bases. |
What does Rhyopsocus celtis eat?
The diet of the Rhyopsocus celtis includes Found in hackberry and cottonwood leaf litter..