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Booklouse
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)
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Common Name: Booklouse

Order: Psocoptera

Family: Trogiidae


Pest Status: Booklice are also called psocids. They are sometimes a nuisance pest in homes and other buildings, but are usually innocuous.

Appearance: Pscocids are very small, white, soft-bodied insects that may or may not have wings. Their uniquely enlarged clypeus (mouthparts) set them apart from other small insects.

Life Cycle: Females deposit egg cases in clusters often inside webbing or in papers or books. They feed on molds, fungi, and sometimes pollen in these areas.

Where to Collect: Booklice are usually found in humid environments where molds may grow on old papers or books.