Rhyopsocus quercus
This record describes Rhyopsocus quercus (species). Recorded family: Psoquillidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Sexes identical. |
| Head | Head and pronotum marked as seen here and here . Compound eyes black, but cobalt blue in freshly preserved specimens; remainder of head beige with grayish-brown subcuticular pigment granules along median ecdysial line and forward in a slightly broader band through frons; a dark reddishbrown band from antennal base to compound eye continuing posteriorly on thorax. |
| Antennae | Antennae brown from scape through f4, fading to colorless through f5, colorless to tip. |
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (CA-wTX) & Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhyopsocus quercus Mockford 2016
About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group
Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Rhyopsocus quercus. 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 Rhyopsocus quercus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhyopsocus quercus
What is Rhyopsocus quercus?
Rhyopsocus quercus is a species in the family Psoquillidae, within the order Psocodea.
How big is Rhyopsocus quercus?
♂ ~1.5 mm, ♀ 1.9 mm
How do you identify Rhyopsocus quercus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Sexes identical. |
| Head | Head and pronotum marked as seen here and here . Compound eyes black, but cobalt blue in freshly preserved specimens; remainder of head beige with grayish-brown subcuticular pigment granules along median ecdysial line and forward in a slightly broader band through frons; a dark reddishbrown band from antennal base to compound eye continuing posteriorly on thorax. |
| Antennae | Antennae brown from scape through f4, fading to colorless through f5, colorless to tip. |
Where is Rhyopsocus quercus found?
Range: sw US (CA-wTX) & Mexico