PsocodeaPsocidae – Common Barklice

Trichadenotecnum alexanderae

This record describes Trichadenotecnum alexanderae (species). Recorded family: Psocidae. Recorded order: Psocodea.

Identification and Appearance

Trichadenotecnum alexanderae - Trichadenotecnum alexanderae
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Psocodea (Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice)
Suborder
Psocomorpha
Family
Psocidae (Common Barklice)
Subfamily
Psocinae
Tribe
Ptyctini
Genus
Trichadenotecnum

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

bark of trees and shaded stone outcrops

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Trichadenotecnum alexanderae Sommerman 1948

About Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice: the wider group

Order-level background for Psocodea, the group containing Trichadenotecnum alexanderae. 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 Trichadenotecnum alexanderae (5)

Trichadenotecnum alexanderae - photo 1
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Trichadenotecnum alexanderae - photo 2
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Trichadenotecnum alexanderae - photo 3
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Trichadenotecnum alexanderae - photo 4
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Trichadenotecnum alexanderae - photo 5
Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov

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

Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.