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Order Psocodea (Barklice and Booklice) in the Christopher B. Smith Preserve

Order Psocodea Characteristics: The name of the order, Psocodea, is derived from the Greek word psokos, meaning "gnawed or rubbed" and pteron, meaning "wing". The order contains at least 5,500 species. Members of the order are typically 1.5 to 5 mm in length, but can be up to 10 mm, and rarely under 1 mm.

Some species are found worldwide and appear to have been spread by humans. Barklice live in a wide variety of outdoor habitats, where they eat lichens, algae, fungi and organic detritus. They are considered beneficial insects. Booklice often live in homes, feeding on the starch in book bindings.

A psocod typically has a swollen forehead, large compound eyes, and three ocelli. It has chewing mandibles, used to scrape detritus. The central lobe of its maxilla, modified into a slender rod, is used to brace the body in position while feeding. Some species have special mouth glands for spinning silk.

Legs are slender and used for walking. Forewings can be 1.5 times as long as the hindwings and both sets of wings have only a few cross-veins. The abdomen has nine segments and no cerci. There is often variation in the appearance of individuals even within the same species.

Most psocods have gradual metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult). For example, many barklice lay eggs in tiny crevices and on foliage. The eggs hatch and nymphs emerge. Nymphs typically molt six times before reaching adulthood.

In some species and some races of species, reproduction is parthenogenic. In this type of asexual reproduction, females lay eggs that have not been fertilized by males.

Some psocods are viviparous, skipping the egg stage. In this case, young nymphs are born as tiny, wingless versions of the adult.

The lifespan of a psocid is usually no more than about two months.

Interactions in the Smith Preserve: Barklice are scavengers, eating organic detritus, fungi, and algae that accumulate on tree limbs and trunks. By feeding on these materials, they clean the bark, as well as decompose and recycle nutrients.

 

Family	Species Name	Common Name
Archipsocidae	Archipsocus sp.	Ancient Barklice
Archipsocidae	Archipsocus sp.	Ancient Barklice
Archipsocidae	Archipsocus sp. ? Archipsocopsis ?	Ancient Barklice
Archipsocidae ?	Unknown	Ancient Barklice ?
Caeciliusidae	Stenocaecilius casarum	Lizard Barklice
Caeciliusidae	Valenzuela flavidus	Lizard Barklice
Caeciliusidae	Valenzuela pinicola	Lizard Barklice
Caeciliusidae	Valenzuela subflavus	Lizard Barklice
Caeciliusidae	Unknown	Lizard Barklice
Ectopsocidae	Ectopsocus thibaudi	Outer Bark Lice
Ectopsocidae	Ectopsocus vachoni	Outer Bark Lice
Ectopsocidae	Ectopsocus sp.	Outer Bark Lice
Lachesillidae	Lachesilla sp.	Fateful Barklice
Lepidopsocidae	Echmepteryx hageni	Scaly-Winged Barklice
Lepidopsocidae	Echmepteryx intermedia	Scaly-Winged Barklice
Lepidopsocidae	Echmepteryx madagascariensis	Scaly-Winged Barklice
Lepidopsocidae	Echmepteryx youngi	Scaly-Winged Barklice
Lepidopsocidae	Echmepteryx sp.	Scaly-Winged Barklice
Lepidopsocidae	Echmepteryx sp.	Scaly-Winged Barklice
Lepidopsocidae	Echmepteryx sp.	Scaly-Winged Barklice
Lepidopsocidae	Thylacella cubana	Scaly-Winged Barklice
Liposcelididae	Liposcelis sp.	Barklice
Liposcelididae	Liposcelis sp.	Barklice
Liposcelididae	Liposcelis sp.	Barklice
Liposcelididae	Liposcelis bostrychophila	Barklice
Liposcelididae	Liposcelis hirsutoides	Booklice
Liposcelididae	Liposcelis ornata	Barklice
Pachytroctidae	Tapinella sp.	Thick Barklice
Pachytroctidae	Tapinella sp.	Thick Barklice
Pachytroctidae	Tapinella sp.	Thick Barklice
Pachytroctidae	Tapinella sp.	Thick Barklice
Peripsocidae	Peripsocus pauliani	Stout Barklice
Peripsocidae	Peripsocus subfasciatus	Stout Barklice
Pseudocaeciliidae	Pseudocaecilus citricola	False Lizard Barklice
Psocidae	Cerastipsocus venosus	Common Barklice
Psocidae	Indiopsocus texanus	Common Barklice
Psocidae	Unknown	Common Barklice
Stenopsocidae	Graphopsocus cruciatus	Narrow Barklice
Trogiidae	Cerobasis sp.	Granary Booklice

 

Family Archipsocidae Archipsocus sp. ... Ancient Barklice These bark lice were discovered congregating under the loose bark of Acer rubrum (Red Maple) on February 6, 2014. Many individuals, clustered under the bark, moved as a unit when disturbed. The species was identified on February 11, 2014 from these photographs by Dr. Edward Mockford, Distinguished Professor of Entomology, Emeritus, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University. Dr. Mockford stated, "This is a species of Archipsocus, but .. . it is not one of the described species recorded from the US. I would really like to see a few specimens of it." As shown in the photograph at left, this species, like all bark lice, holds its wings roof-like over its body when at rest, and it has long, thin antennae. All members of Family Archipsocidae, have reduced wing venation. Some species in the family are viviparous. The family includes about 80 species in five genera. Normally, eggs of psocids are laid singly or in clusters and are sometimes covered with silk. Photograph one shows tiny, white, oblong objects that may be eggs or very young nymphs. Late instar nymphs, like the one shown isolated in the fourth photograph, look like small, wingless adults. The most commonly encountered bark louse in the Galveston-Houston area, Archipsocus nomas, is a very small (less than 3 cm long), brown, soft-bodied, gregarious bark louse. They live together under protective layers of silk webs. The webbing has been known to completely envelop the trunks and large branches of trees. Silk webbing has not been observed with Archipsocus sp. that were collected in the Smith Preserve.       Return to top

 

 

Family Archipsocidae Archipsocus sp. ... Ancient Barklice On December 19, 2014, this 1.5 mm long bark louse was living in leaf litter under a citrus tree in the cabbage palm/ oak hammock in the northeast corner of the Smith Preserve. It was extracted from the leaf litter using a Berlese funnel, and this photograph was made using photomicroscopy. On January 29, 2015, Diane Young, Contributor to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University Department of Entomology sent this photo to Dr. Edward Mockford, Distinguished Professor of Entomology, Emeritus, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University. Dr. Mockford made the identification. After Dr. Mockford's identification, Diane Young posted "Note that the compound eyes on your specimen are small and set back pretty far towards the back of the head." Although this specimen and the ones above are the same genus, It is unknown whether or not they are the same species. Based on the shape of the thorax and the number of segments in the thorax, it does not appear to this webmaster that they are the same. Return to top

 

 

Family Archipsocidae Archipsocus sp. ? Archipsocopsis sp.?... Ancient Barklice This 2 mm bark louse was collected in litter that had accumulated on top of a saw palmetto branch in the northeast quadrant of the Smith Preserve, just north of Smith Preserve Way. The louse was extracted from the litter using a Berlese funnel, and these photographs were created using photomicroscopy. Both dark and white backgrounds were used to create images to show details of the specimen. The images were sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>. On December 13, 2017, the photographs were examined by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. She stated, "I think I know what this one is... but I'd better confirm it with Dr. Mockford.(Note from webmaster: Dr. Edward Mockford is Distinguished Professor of Entomology, Emeritus, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University.) As posted by Diane Young at <BugGuide.net> on December 14, 2017, "Dr. Mockford says this is... Archipsocus but he can't get it any further based on the images. These guys are tough even with the specimen in hand!" On April 23, 2023, Ahn Feldman, a Contributor to <Bugguide.net>, stated, "Archipsocopsis? ...I'm just getting into barklice and I've only really identified with specimens on hand, but this looks more akin to the Archipsocopsis that I've seen." According to Wikipedia, "Some species that used to be included in genus Archipsocus and which give birth by parthenogenesis to live young, have now been separated into the genus Archipsocopsis." Return to top

 

Family Archipsocidae ? Unknown ... Ancient Barklice ? On February 6, 2014, this 1.5 long bark louse nymph was located on a leaf of a Ficus aurea (Strangler Fig) in the Smith Preserve. These three images (dorsal, ventral, and lateral) were created using photomicroscopy, and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. The webmaster suspects it belongs to Family Archipsocidae because of its similarity to the individuals shown in the green tables above. It, like the ones above has small eyes and a collar like ring that separates the thorax from the abdomen. Its overall body shape is also similar to the others. On February 15, 2023, Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <BugGuide.net> stated, "Very interesting? Could be a new species for <BugGuide or a new species altogether." Diane requested that the bark louse be sent to her for further study. Return to top

 

 

Family Caeciliusidae Stenocaecilius casarum ... Lizard Barklice This 1.5 mm long bark louse nymph was collected in a gallon bag of Lygogodium microphyllum (Old World Climbing Fern) that was growing in the Preserve just south of the dry retention pond. The fern was put in a Berlese funnel to extract the macroinvertebrates that were living on the fern. These images were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On January 5, 2024, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor to <Bugguide.net>. According to <Bugguide.net>, the elongated eye and dark mark through the frons and postclypeus are diagnostic. The habitat is listed as palm foliage. Return to top

 

 

Family Caeciliusidae Valenzuela flavidus ... Lizard Barklice On January 26, 2016, this 2 mm long bark louse was caught in a sweep net collection, obtained in low, dry vegetation that was growing along the eastern gopher tortoise fence of the Smith Preserve. Photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On February 6, 2016, the genus was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. She shared, "Can't ID to species without a close examination of the criter [critter]." According to <BugGuide.net>, there are 30 species of this genus in North America and 300 species worldwide. On July 7, 2017, Diane Young posted on <BugGuide.net> "This can't be anything but V. flavidus." Return to top

 

 

Family Caeciliusidae Valenzuela pinicola ... Lizard Barklice On January 3, 2017, this ~1.4 mm long bark louse nymph was living in leaf litter collected on top of a branch of Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto), growing in the center of the Smith Preserve just north of Smith Preserve Way. The louse was extracted using a Berlese funnel and photographs were created using photomicroscopy. The very long antennae were noted by the webmaster and photographs were sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On December 20, 2017, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net> She stated, "Fortunately this specimen has marking on the head which give it away. This must be a nymph of Valenzuela pinicola."   Return to top

 

 

Family Caeciliusidae Valenzuela subflavus ... Lizard Barklice On February 3, 2024, this 1.8 mm bark louse was captured in a sweep net that was used in a tangle of Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine Grape) vines in the northeast quadrant of Smith Preserve. These images were created by photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On February 6, 2024, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net.> The species was first described in 1886. Return to top

 

Family Caeciliusidae Unknown Species ... Lizard Barklice On December 17, 2014, this very tiny, .5 mm barklouse nymph was isolated from Quercus sp. (Oak) and Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine Grape) leaf litter that was collected in the Northeast hammock of the Smith Preserve. These images were created by photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On March 19, 2022, the family was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net>. She stated, "The white spots on the dorsal abdomen are common in this family." Return to top

 

 

Family Ectopsocidae Ectopsocus thibaudi ... Outer Barklice On December 19, 2014, this 1.5 mm bark louse was isolated from a sample of leaf litter collected under a citrus tree in the northeast hammock of the Smith Preserve. It was extracted from the sample by using a Berlese funnel. Photographs were produced using a digital Nikon D-90 camera and a binocular microscope. On January 23, 2015, the species was identified from these photographs by Dr. Edward Mockford, Distinguished Professor at Illinois State University. Ectopsocus thibaudi was first described by Andre Badonnel in 1979. As show in the photographs below, this specimen has two spots on the forewings. Return to top

 

 

Family Ectopsocidae Ectopsocus vachoni ... Outer Barklice On February 10, 2018, this ~1.5 mm long barklouse was crawling on a Serenoa repens (Silver Saw Palmetto) leaf. These photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On April 2, 2018, the specimen was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. She stated, "This one is probably ...Ectopsocus vachoni, micropterous female. The term "micropterous" means "having small, sometimes vestigial wings." There is also a "macropterous" form of this species. "Macropterous" means having long or large wings." Ectopsocus vachoni is native to Africa and Asia and this species is widely distributed in the subtropics. On January 23, 2017, the 2 mm long bark louse below was living in leaf litter beneath a Psychotria nervosa (Shinyleaf Wild Coffee) bush and a Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak) tree that were growing just southeast of the Smith Preserve pond, not far from the gopher tortoise fence adjacent to the Conservancy parking lot. The louse was collected with several hundred other invertebrates in a one gallon bag of leaf litter that was processed through a Berlese funnel. Photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On April 15, 2017, the genus identification was posted at <BugGuide.net> by Diane Young, a Contributor. On February 18, 2021, Diane Young identified this bark louse as Ectopsocus vachoni. Diane stated, "I am fairly certain this is Ectopsocus vachoni, based on the shape of the subgenital plate." Note the long wings. This is a macropterous individual.                 Return to top

 

 

Family Ectopsocidae Ectopsocus sp. ... Outer Barklice On December 19, 2014, this 2 mm long bark louse was collected in a sample of leaf litter beneath a citrus tree in the cabbage palm/oak hammock in the northeast corner of the Smith Preserve. It was isolated from the litter with a Berlese funnel. This photograph was produced using photomicroscopy. On January 29, 2015 it was identified from this photograph by Diane Young, Contributor to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University Department of Entomology. There are 12 species of Ectopsocus in North America and 160 species worldwide.   Return to top

 

 

Family Lachesillidae Lachesilla sp. ... Fateful Booklice On December 19, 2014, this 1.25 mm long bark louse was living in leaf litter collected under a citrus tree in the northeast corner of the Smith Preserve hammock. It was isolated from the litter using a Berlese Funnel, and this photograph was taken using photomicroscopy. The photograph was submitted to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University Department of Entomology for identification. On March 1, 2015 the photograph was examined by Diane Young, Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. Young stated, "This one could be ... a Valenzuela nymph possibly in the manteri species group. You should search the same habitat for adults for better ID." On April 5, 2015, Suborder Psocomorpha was confirmed by John S. Ascher, Contributing Editor to <BugGuide.net>. Psocomorpha is the largest suborder of bark lice, containing 24 families and ~4000 species. These bark lice live on tree bark, leaves, or leaf litter. Diet consists of lichens, algae, and fungus. On September 21, 2015, the specimen was identified from this photograph as a nymph of Lachesilla sp. by Dr. Edward Mockford, Illinois State University Professor of Entomology. According to <BugGuide.net> there are 39 species of Lachesilla in North America and 230 species worldwide.   Return to top

 

 

Family Lepidopsocidae Echmepteryx hageni ... Scaly-Winged Barklice On February 27, 2017, this 1 mm long bark louse was living in detritus that had collected at the top of a Tillandsia setacea (Southern Needleleaf) that was growing on a branch of a Quercus geminata (Sand Live Oak) tree, north of Smith Preserve Way. These photographs (Image 1: Dorsal; Image 2: Ventral, Image 3: Antenna, Image 4: Dorsal, and Image 5: Lateral) were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>. The body of the louse was covered in hairs, and each of its antennae appeared to have more than 30 flagellomeres. These two characteristics helped with its identification. Note: Flagellomeres are units of one of the three basic segments of an insect's antenna. The scape is the base where the antenna is connected to the head. The pedicel is the next segment, and the flagellum is the third segment. Flagellomeres are the units making of the flagellum. On March 7, 2017, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. She stated, "this is likely .. a nymph of Echmepteryx hageni (Lepidopsocidae). According to information posted at <BugGuide.net>, the habitat of this species includes tree bark and stone outcrops.   Return to top

 

 

Family Lepidopsocidae Echmepteryx intermedia ... Scaly-Winged Barklice This 1.5 mm long barklouse was found on March 4, 2015 living in leaf litter beneath a Quercus geminata (Sand Live Oak) tree in the center of Smith Preserve. The litter was collected and placed in a Berlese funnel to separate the organisms from the litter. Photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. Upon examination of these photographs, the head shows a very intricate pattern, there is banding of brown and white on the legs, and as shown in detail in the next photograph, the legs are covered with hairs. On July 7, 2017, this specimen was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. She stated, "This one is probably Echmepteryx intermedia. It looks closest to Fig. 38 in Mockford's North American Psocoptera." The species Echmepteryx intermedia was identified and described by Dr. Edward L. Mockford in 1974. The range of this species is the southern half of peninsular Florida, Mexico, and Trinidad. Males of this species are unknown Return to top

 

 

Family Lepidopsocidae Echmepteryx madagascariensis ... Scaly-Winged Barklice On February 17, 2016, this 1.75 mm long barklouse was found inside a trap consisting of a folded piece of cardboard that had been wired to a Quercus geminata (Sand Live Oak) tree. The trap had been left in place for several months. When removed from the tree, the cardboard surface was covered by several bark lice, appearing to be the same species in different stages of development. Adults all had wings with very distinctive scales. All of the barklice were removed from the cardboard and placed into ethanol. Photographs of two of the more mature lice were created using photomicroscopy. One specimen's photographs (photos 1 and 2 ) were sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>. On February 17, 2016, that louse was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. Her comment: This one is ... Echmeptryx magagascariensis. Nice find!" The 3rd and 4th photographs are of a 1.5 mm individual found in the trap. Note: This individual is slightly smaller than the first. According to <BugGuide.net>, Echmeptryx magagascariensis is found throughout the tropics. In the United States, it is found only in southern Florida. On January 13, 2017, as the Conservancy science volunteer team was removing exotics along the southern gopher tortoise fence adjacent to 14th Ave N, a mass of nesting material was retrieved from vines. The nesting material consisted of Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) fibers. The fibers were collected in a gallon bag and placed in a Berlese funnel to isolate invertebrates from the fibers. The 2.1 mm long bark louse below was found among the many invertebrates. The webmaster identified this as yet another example of this species. On February 9, 2017, confirmation was made by Diane Young. On January 3, 2017 the ~ 2mm long bark louse below was living in leaf litter of a Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) bush and a Quercus geminata (Sand Live Oak) tree. These photographs were submitted to <BugGuide.net> for confirmation that it was a member of Family Lepidopsocidae. On March 22, 2017, Diane identified this individual as another Echmepteryx madagascariensis. On February 18, 2020, this 2 mm long bark louse was captured in a pitfall trap that had been left overnight adjacent to an abandoned gopher tortise burrow near a light post immediately north of Smith Preserve Way. The species identity was confirmed by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net>, on December 28, 2021. Return to top

 

 

Family Lepidopsocidae Echmepteryx youngi ... Scaly-Winged Barklice On March 30, 2024, this 2.5 mm bark louse was observed and captured by Smith Preserve volunteer Grayce Garthoeffner along the northern edge of Smith Preserve. These images were created by photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>. The first image is a dorsal view with the head in focus. The second image is a dorsal view with the wings in focus. The third image is a ventral view. Below: Image four is a close-up of the dorsal view of the head. Image five is a close-up of the frontal view of the head. Image 6 shows a close-up of the ventral view of the abdomen. At the bottom tip of the abdomen is the location of its male genitalia. On April 7, 2024, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net. She stated, "I am fairly certain that you have posted the male of Echmepteryx youngi ! Nice find. " According to <Bugguide.net>, the range for this species is peninsular Florida and Camden County, Georgia. Habitat includes tree trunks and branches. The species was first described by Monkford in 1974. Return to top

 

 

Family Lepidopsocidae Echmepteryx sp. ... Scaly-Winged Barklice On January 3, 2017, this 2 mm long barklouse nymph was living in leaf litter beneath a Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) bush and Quercus geminata (Sand Live Oak) tree in the northeast quadrant of the Smith Preserve, just north of Smith Preserve Way. The specimen was isolated from the litter using a Berlese funnel. These photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. As can be seen in these photographs, the louse was beginning to develop wings. Color was uniformly white except for purple markings at the tip of the abdomen (visible from both the ventral and dorsal sides), purple-colored markings on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the head, several rod-shaped, purple-colored markings on the dorsal surface of the first two segments of the thorax. and a few pale purple markings on the legs. The head, legs, abdomen and wings appear to be covered with fine white hairs. On July 7, 2017, the genus was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. She stated, "Echmepteryx but can't get to species from these photos." Return to top

 

 

Family Lepidopsocidae Echmepteryx sp. ... Scaly-Winged Barklice   On January 13, 2017, this 1.2 mm long nymph was living in nesting material made of shredded Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) fibers in a tangle of vines at the southeast edge of the Smith Preserve near 14th Avenue . The nesting material was placed in a Berlese funnel to separate the organisms from the fibers. This specimen was one of 105 barklice of a variety of species that had been living in the fibers. These photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On July 7, 2017, the genus was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. She stated, "This is probably a nymph of...Echmepteryx nymph. Return to top

 

Family Lepidopsocidae Echmepteryx sp. ... Scaly-Winged Barklice On January 13, 2022, this 1.1 mm long bark louse nymph was found under a piece of loose bark on a tree that was growing in the Preserve hammock, west of the gopher tortoise fence by the maintenance building. The first photo above and one of the ventral images below was created by photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On January 19, 2022, Diane Young, a Contributing Editor at <Bugguide.net> stated, "This is an interesting nymph ...because of the long "hairs" on the rear tibiae. I can't get it to family from your images." After receiving that message, additional photographs were created and sent to <Bugguide.net>. The webmaster noted that the body of this louse is covered with hairs and the antennae appear to have more than 30 flagellomeres. Those characteristics are typical of genus Echmepteryx. [Note: Flagellomeres are units of one of the three basic segments of an insect's antenna. The scape is the base where the antenna is connected to the head. The pedicel is the next segment, and the flagellum is the third segment. Flagellomeres are the units making of the flagellum.] On January 28, 2022, Diane Young confirmed that the webmaster was correct in determining the genus. She stated, "Echmepteryx...possibly E. intermedia. An adult would be easier to ID, even then I might have to see the specimen." Although somewhat similar to Echmepteryx intermedia shown below at left, the color pattern on this individual's head at right appears to be very distinctive and not identical to E. intermedia. Also, the shape of the eyes is different. Note, an adult would have scaly wings and there are more than 80 described species of Echmepteryx. Below are ventral views of this individual. Note the very long spines on the hind legs. Return to top

 

 

 

Family Lepidopsocidae Thylacella cubana ... Scaly-Winged Barklice On March 11, 2015, this 2 mm long bark louse was collected in leaf litter under a Florida Rosemary bush in a Rosemary/Sand Live Oak scrub area at the Smith Preserve. The louse was removed from the litter using a Berlese Funnel, and these photographs were produced using photomicrography. Photographs were sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University Department of Entomology. On November 16, 2015, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net> This species is typically a dull yellow color. As seen in the second and third photographs there is a reddish brown band on the side of head from the antennal base to the hind margin of the head and continuing on from the thoracic pleural region above the leg bases to the hind margin of the thorax.   This is the only species of its genus in the Western Hemisphere. It is thought to be closely related to T. fasciata Badonnel (1955) from Angola. The species is found in Texas, the southern two-thirds of peninsular Florida, Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It occurs primarily in dead leaves of a variety of plants and also on the trunks and branches of trees. On December 17, 2014, the 2 mm long nymph shown here with prominent wing pads was found living in leaf litter in the hammock in the northeast corner of the Smith Preserve. It was extracted from the leaf litter with a Berlese funnel, and this photograph was created using photomicroscopy and sent to <BugGuide.net> for identification. The webmaster thought it was a barklouse. That was confirmed on June 28, 2016 by v belov, a Contributing Editor of <BugGuide.net>. Further identification is needed. On December 25, 2016, the species ID was made by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. On November 21, 2023, the 2 mm long bark louse nymph below was extracted from leaf litter collected beneath a Coccoloba uvifera (Sea Grape) bush, just south of the dry marsh in the Christopher B. Smith Preserve. These images were sent for identification <Bugguide.net>. On December 23, 2023, this individual was identified by Diane Young.   Return to top

 

 

Family Liposcelididae Liposcelis sp. ... Booklice On March 4, 2015, this ~1.5 mm long booklouse was living in leaf litter beneath a Quercus geminata (Sand Live Oak) tree in the middle of the Smith Preserve. It was isolated from the litter, using a Berlese funnel, and photographs were created using photomicrography. Images were sent for confirmation of the genus to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On March 25, 2017, the genus was confirmed by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. She stated "Liposcelis are notoriously difficult. Unless this specimen were mounted on a permanent slide ID is out of the question." Close examination of this specimen and comparison to the others posted below, this one appears to have a shorter abdomen. The head is heart-shaped, and the abdomen has two dark spots.   Return to top

 

Family Liposcelididae Liposcelis sp. ... Booklice On March 25, 2019, the webmaster was walking through the preserve and located a dead tortoise shell. By removing some of the detritus that had accumulated inside the cavity, this 1 mm long louse was isolated. The louse has a thick femur, which is a characteristic of this genus. The photographs shown here were created by photomicroscopy and sent for confirmation of the identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On February 23, 2022, the genus was confirmed by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor to <Bugguide.net>. According to <Bugguide.net>, Liposcelis is the largest genus in Family Liposcelididae. There are 24 species in North America and 120 species worldwide. Return to top

 

Family Liposcelididae Liposcelis sp. ... Booklice This .8 mm long barklouse was extracted from leaf litter collected under a Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) bush just north of Smith Preserve Way on January 3, 2017. A Berlese funnel was used to extract the louse and photomicroscopy was used to create these images. These images were sent for identification to <Bugguide.net> sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. The webmaster suspected that the species was Liposcelis hirsutoides (see specimen later on this page), but Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net> stated on March 2, 2022, "Interesting specimen ...Probably Liposcelis, Section I, but I don't think it is L hirsutoides." According to <Bugguide.net>, there are 18 spp of Liposcelis in our area and they are arranged into two groups. When asked what the differences are between Section I and II, Diane explained,"Section I: abdominal terga 3-4 not presenting, at least in the middle, a clear posterior membranous band. Section II: abdominal terga 3-4 presenting a clearer posterior membranous band. The other characters require clearing the specimen with 10% KOH, then dehydrating and preparing permanent slides." [Terga are the plates that form the exoskeleton on the dorsal side of the abdomen of a louse]. The name Liposcelis means "fat thigh." The fat thigh can be seen in the last photo. Liposcelis is the largest genus in Family Liposcelididae. There are 24 species in North America and 120 species worldwide. Return to top

 

 

Family Liposcelididae Liposcelis bostrychophila ... Booklice On January 13, 2017, as Conservancy of SW Florida science volunteers were removing vines near 14th Ave N in the southeast corner of the Smith Preserve, they discovered nesting material made of palmetto fibers intertwined in the vines. In order to isolate invertebrates living in the fibers, a gallon bag of the material was collected and processed in a Berlese funnel. This 1.1 mm bark louse was among more than 150 invertebrates isolated from the sample. These photographs were created using photomicroscopy. When the photographs were examined by the webmaster, she thought the louse closely resembled other members of Liposcelis, shown below. Like the others, this louse is flattened with a long abdomen, and the hind femur is wide and flat. These images were submitted to <BugGuide.net> for identification, and on February 28, 2017, confirmation of the genus was made by "v belov", a Contributing Editor to <BugGuide.net>. According to <BugGuide.net>, Liposcelis is the largest genus in Family Liposcelididae. There are 24 species in North America and 120 species worldwide. Many members of the genus are associated with human habitation and several are pests of stored grain products. On March 7, 2017, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net. According to <BugGuide.net>, Liposcelis bostrychophila is cosmopolitan, of unknown origin, and is considered non-native in Europe. It is a probably dispersed in food products, and is a common domestic species. In fact, it is claimed to be the most common North American booklouse. Return to top

 

Family Liposcelididae Liposcelis hirsutoides ... Booklice This 1 mm long louse was found in leaf litter in an oak hammock in the northeast corner of the Smith Preserve on December 17, 2014. It was isolated from the leaf litter with a Berlese funnel. These photographs were created using photomicrosopy. The insect was hard-bodied and resembled a shiny seed. Photo 1 is a dorsal view; photo 2 is a ventral view. On December 31, 2014, the genus was identified from these photographs by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.Net>, sponsored by Iowa State University Department of Entomology. Young stated that it reminds her of Liposcelis hirsutoides which she finds on mesquite. On January 16, 2015, the identification was confirmed by Dr. Edward Mockford, Illinois State University Professor of Entomology. Family Liposcelididae contains 200 species. The species are small and flattened, with long abdomens. They are often wingless. Antennal segments have ringed annulations. Eyes are small. Tarsi are 3-segmented. As can be seen in the enlarged ventral view at left, the hind femur is wide and flat. Body color of the various species range from dark brown to creamy white. Some species live in dead leaves (like this one found in the Preserve), in dead grass, nests of mammals and birds, and under bark. Return to top

 

 

Family Liposcelididae Liposcelis ornata ... Booklice On March 22, 2016, this barklouse was living in leaf litter beneath a Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) bush. The louse was separated from the litter with a Berlese funnel, and these photographs were created using photomicroscopy. These images were sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. The first photograph is a dorsal view, the second is an enlargement of the dorsal view of the head, the third is a ventral view, and the fourth is a lateral view.   In many ways, this species is similar to Liposcelis hirsutoides (the next species above) and this webmaster suspected it may be another member of the same family. Both barklice are 1 mm long. The general shape of the heads and hind femurs are the same. The antennae of both have ringed annulations. Both have flattened bodies with elongate abdomens. The obvious difference is this one has brown and creme-colored stripes, while the other is uniformly brown. On May 5, 2016, the species was identified by Dr. Edward Mockford, Illinois State University Professor of Entomology. Return to top

 

 

Family Pachytroctidae Tapinella sp. ... Thick Barklice On January 13, 2017, as the Conservancy science volunteer team was removing exotics along the southern tortoise fence adjacent to 14th Ave N, a mass of nesting material was retrieved from vines. The nesting material consisted of Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) fibers. The fibers were collected in a gallon bag and placed in a Berlese funnel to isolate invertebrates from the fibers. This 1.2 mm long bark louse was one of the many invertebrates in the sample. [Note: This louse has blue eyes]. These images were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>.       On February 2nd, the genus was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. Diane stated, "You find the coolist [coolest] critters! This is a species of Tapinella. I am going to send this to Dr. Mockford [f]or his opinion. So unusual! Is there any chance you would send me the specimen in alcohol? I promise to return it". A follow-up <BugGuide.net> posting from Diane stated, "Would you try and collect more from that same site?? You may even find males and macropterous females. Take a look at the other Tapinella species on BugGuide and you will get a idea about the appearance of the other forms. Also, would you consider sending me some live specimens in the shredded material you caught them in? I would like to rear some for behavioral studies. Thanks or posting this!" [Note from webmaster: "macropterous" refers to it having long or large wings.] According to <BugGuide.net>, there is only one described species of Tapinella in our area and ~40 species worldwide. The locally described species is Tapinella maculata, first described by Edward L. Mockford and Gurney in 1956.The range for the species is Texas (lower Rio Grande Valley) to Venezuela. Its habitat is on various palms and foliage of banana, yucca, Heliconia, and Typha. In another follow-up to <BugGuide.net>, Diane shared that "This looks like either a new species or a species previously only reported from Mexico." Return to top

 

 

Family Pachytroctidae Tapinella sp. ... Thick Barklice On January 13, 2017, this 1.25 mm louse was living in the same nesting material made from shredded palmetto fibers as the previously described louse. The nesting material was collected along the southern tortoise fence adjacent to 14th Ave N. The nesting material consisted of Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) fibers. On July 11, 2023, the genus was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net>. Return to top

 

 

 

Family Pachytroctidae Tapinella sp. ... Thick Barklice On January 13, 2017, this 1.5 mm long bark louse was living in the same nesting material as the one shown and described above. It was also isolated from the material with the Berlese funnel, photographs were created, and they were sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. It was suspected by the webmaster that this one and the two above were the same species. But that is not the case. On February 7, 2017, Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net> stated, "Amazing! This is yet another Tapinella I have never seen. I will send this to Dr. Mockford and see what he thinks. I am green with envy!! On July 11, July 2023, Diane Young wrote, "This is an undescribed species... of Tapinella. Very interesting!   Return to top

 

 

Family Pachytroctidae Tapinella sp. ... Thick Barklice On January 13, 2017, the 1.5 mm long bark louse above was living in the same shredded palmetto fiber nesting material as the three shown and described immediately above. It was isolated from the fibers the same way as those above, with a Berlese funnel. The images were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>. Although this individual and the three individuals above appeared to the webmaster to be the same species, Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net> on September 8, 2020 stated, "This is also a Tapinella. It is probably an un-described species, but it resembles a species from Mexico. I'd love to see some specimens." Return to top

 

 

Family Peripsocidae Peripsocus pauliani ... Stout Barklice On February 17, 2024, this 2 mm long bark louse was captured with a sweep net on Liatris tenuifolia (Scrub Blazing Star). The blazing star plants were just beginning to emerge from the sand after a very wet winter. These images were created by using photomicroscopy, and were sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On February 20, 2024, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net>. She stated, "Very interesting! Could you take another image with a light background for a better look at the forewing? This might be a species that has not been posted on BugGuide !" The image at right was taken and sent to <Bugguide.net> the next day. Diane's comment on February 21st was, "Congratulations ... you have added a species to BugGuide. In what habitat was this one found?" The response was " Thanks, It was living on a liatris plant in an oak-rosemary scrub." Return to top

 

 

Family Peripsocidae Peripsocus subfasciatus ... Stout Barklice On January 26, 2016, this 1 mm (2 mm with wings) long barklouse was captured with a sweep net used in Ceratiola ericoides (Florida Rosemary) that was growing in the northwest quadrant of the Smith Preserve.   These photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. Note: This barklouse is very dark with very distinctive long, dark, patterned wings.   On July 6, 2016, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor to <BugGuide.net>. On March 5, 2024, the bark louse below was living under a loose bootjack of a Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm) tree near the northern edge of Smith Preserve. Images were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>. On March 13, 2024, the species was identified by Diane Young. Diane shared that it was the image of the wing on the white background that made the species identification possible. Other images could be used only to identify the genus. Return to top

 

 

Family Pseudocaeciliidae Pseudocaecilus citricola ... False Lizard Barklice On December 19, 2014, this 1.5 mm long barklouse was living in leaf litter beneath a citrus tree, growing in the northeast hammock of the Smith Preserve. The litter was collected and the specimen was isolated from the litter with a Berlese funnel. These photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On January 12, 2017, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributor to <BugGuide.net>. On January 23, 2017, the 2 mm long bark louse below was living in leaf litter beneath aPsychotria nervosa (Shinyleaf Wild Coffee) bush and a Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak) tree. Like the louse above, this one was photographed, and the photographs were sent for identification to <BugGuide.net>. On February 16, 2017, it was identified by Diane Young. According to <BugGuide.net> the range or this species is "many warmer regions worldwide." Return to top

 

 

Family Psocidae Cerastipsocus venosus ... Common Barklice This rather large bark louse, estimated at 6 mm, was in the Smith Preserve on a leaf of Quercus geminata (Sand Live Oak) on April 21, 2014. On April 22, 2014, it was identified from these photographs by "v belov", Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net>, hosted by Iowa State University Entomology Department. Although this individual was solitary, the species is known to congregate in large numbers. If disturbed, these large congregations move in mass like a herd of cattle, giving the species the common names "bark cattle" and "tree cattle." As shown, an adult has shiny black wings that are held in a tent-like fashion over its abdomen. Nymphs are dark gray and have pale yellow banding between their abdominal segments. Both adults and nymphs have round heads and long antennae. As with all bark lice, this species is considered a beneficial insect because it consumes fungi, algae, and dead bark on tree limbs, cleaning the bark. The louse does not eat the leaves and bark and does not bore into the tree. Return to top

 

 

Family Psocidae Indiopsocus texanus ... Common Barklice On February 17, 2024, two barklice were caught in a sweep net used in Ceratiola ericoides (Florida Rosemary) Bushes. The first was 3 mm long and the 2nd was 2 mm long. Images were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On February 21, 2024, the larger of the two was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor to <Bugguide.net>. The first three images are of the 3 mm individual. On February 22, 2024, the 2 mm individual, shown in the next two images, was also identified by Diane Young as the same species. According to <Bugguide.net, this species lives on branches of sand pine and various broad-leaf trees and shrubs along the Gulf Coast. Return to top

 

Family Psocidae Unknown Species ... Common Barklice On March 4, 2022, a dead end of a small branch of a Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak) tree was broken off and examined for arthropods. This 2 mm bark louse was one of several different species of barklice isolated from the wood. These photographs were created using photomicroscopy and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology. On March 18, 2018, the family was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net>. She stated that it is a "late instar nymph." According to internet sources, this family is recognized by its wing venation. This individual's wings are just beginning to develop. Return to top

 

 

Family Stenopsocidae Graphopsocus cruciatus ... Narrow Booklice On March 2, 2024, this 1.7 mm long female bark louse was captured with a sweep net in Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine Grape) leaves east of the power lines in the Smith Preserve. These images were created using photomicroscopy, and sent for identification to <Bugguide.net>, sponsored by Iowa State University's Department of Entomology.   On March 5, 2024, the species was identified by Diane Young, a Contributing Editor of <Bugguide.net>. According to <Bugguide.net>, the wing markings and vein patterns are distinctive. Females tend to be brachypterous and males macropterous. Brachypterous are short or reduced wings, like those on this individual. Macropterous are long wings. The species is thought to have been introduced in the 1930s to the east and west coast of the US from Europe or Asia. After quickly spreading down both coasts, it is now slowly moving inland. Graphopsocus cruciatus eat microflora on tree leaves.   Return to top

 

 

Family Trogiidae Cerobasis sp. ... Granary Booklice On December 17, 2014, this 1 mm long louse was collected in leaf litter in the northeast hammock at the Smith Preserve. It was removed from the litter using a Berlese Funnel, and these photographs were created using photomicroscopy. On March 3, 2015, the species was identified from these photographs by Dr. E. L. Mockford, Illinois State University Professor of Entomology. There are two species of this genus in our area. Worldwide, they are mostly found on tropical islands. As can be seen in these photographs, this species has large bulging eyes and setae covering the body.           Return to top

© Photographs and text by Susan Leach Snyder (Conservancy of Southwest Florida Volunteer), unless otherwise credited above.

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