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The
Diversity of The World of Life
True
Insects (Insecta)
Barklice & Booklice
(Psocoptera)
Representatives
Barklice & Booklice,
or Psocids
Biology
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF KNOWN SPECIES WORLDWIDE
Over
1500
DESCRIPTION
Barklice and booklice are usually quick-moving, less than 1/4"
long, and soft-bodied. The antennae
are long and slender. The
"face"
sticks out somewhat in front. The mouthparts
are chewing. The wings may be present
(in barklice) or absent (in booklice).
When present, the wings, with few veins, are held rooflike over the
body at rest, the forewing larger than the hind.
METAMORPHOSIS
The nymphs look like small adults, although with small or
no wings.
HABITATS
Barklice usually live under stones, in debris, or under or
on tree bark; and booklice usually live indoors, often in great numbers,
especially in houses that are damp. Some
psocids live in groups within silk webs on trees.
FOODS
Barklice and booklice usually feed on dry organic matter or fungi,
particularly molds.
DAMAGES/BENEFITS
Although insects of this order may decompose natural
litter, booklice may become pests indoors, especially if they feed on such
things as book-bindings or other starchy materials.
True
Insects (Insecta)
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