Death Watch Barklouse vs Broad-winged Barklouse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Death Watch Barklouse Broad-winged Barklouse
Scientific Name Trogium pulsatorium Psococerastis gibbosa
Order Psocoptera Psocoptera
Family Trogiidae Psocidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Indoors Parks
Diet Fungus Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Death Watch Barklouse

A common indoor booklouse known for producing a quiet tapping sound by striking its abdomen against surfaces. It is found in old buildings and museums.

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Did You Know?

Its tapping sound was historically mistaken for a death omen, hence its common name.

Broad-winged Barklouse

A large bark louse found on tree trunks across Europe. It has broad wings and a rounded body compared to most psocids.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest bark lice found in Europe.