Death Watch Barklouse vs Reuterella Barklouse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Death Watch Barklouse Reuterella Barklouse
Scientific Name Trogium pulsatorium Reuterella helvimacula
Order Psocoptera Psocoptera
Family Trogiidae Elipsocidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 2.0-3.5 mm
Habitat Indoors Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Reuterella Barklouse

A small barklouse with distinctive pale spots on dark wings found on tree bark. It is common in mixed forests throughout Europe.

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Did You Know?

This barklouse is one of the few European psocid species that can be identified in the field by its wing pattern alone.