Common Barklouse vs Dusty Barklouse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Barklouse Dusty Barklouse
Scientific Name Cerastipsocus venosus Lachesilla pedicularia
Order Psocoptera Psocoptera
Family Psocidae Lachesillidae
Size 4.0-6.0 mm 1-1.5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Indoors
Diet Wood Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions North America Worldwide
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Common Barklouse

A large winged barklouse found in herds on tree trunks in eastern North America. It has prominent veined wings and feeds on algae and lichens.

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Did You Know?

These barklice form conspicuous herds of up to several hundred individuals that march across tree trunks in unison.

Dusty Barklouse

A tiny psocid commonly found in old books, herbaria, and grain stores. It thrives in dusty undisturbed environments.

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Did You Know?

It is a major pest in natural history museum collections worldwide.