Barklice

• Psocoptera are an order of insects that are commonly known as booklice , barklice or barkflies . ^[1] They first appeared in the Permian period, 295–248 million years ago. They are often regarded as the most primitive of the hemipteroids . ^[2] Their name originates from the Greek word ψῶχος, psokhos meaning gnawed or rubbed and π τ ε ρ ά, ptera meaning wings . ^[3] There are more than 5,500 species in 41 families in three suborders. Many of these species have only been described in recent years. ^[4] They range in size from 1–10 millimeters (0.04–0.4 in) in length.

• The species known as booklice received their common name because they are commonly found amongst old books —they feed upon the paste used in binding . The barklice are found on trees, harmlessly feeding on algae and lichen . No member of this order is currently considered endangered ; in fact, in 2007, Atlantopsocus adustus , a species native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, was found to have colonized the mild Cornish coast of southwest England. ^[5]
• Psocids are small, scavenging insects with a relatively generalized body plan. They feed primarily on fungi, algae, lichen, and organic detritus in nature.
• Psocids lay their eggs in minute crevices or on foliage, although a few species are known to be viviparous . The young are born as miniature, wingless versions of the adult. These nymphs typically molt six times before reaching full adulthood. The total lifespan of a psocid is rarely more than a few months. [6]

Reference

1. ^ “National Barkfly (Outdoor Psocoptera) Recording Scheme” . www.brc.ac.uk.
2. ^ Christopher O’Toole (2002). Firefly Encyclopedia of Insects and Spiders. Toronto: Firefly Books. ISBN 1-55297-612-2 .
3. ^ John R. Meyer (5 March 2005). “Psocoptera” . North Carolina State University . Archived from the original on 5 February 2007.
4. ^ Alfonso N. García Aldrete (2006). “New genera of Psocoptera (Insecta), from Mexico, Belize and Ecuador (Psoquillidae, Ptiloneuridae, Lachesillidae)” (PDF) . Zootaxa . 1319 : 1–14.
5. ^ BBC News, “New insect species arrives in UK” 8 November 2007
6. Hoell, H.V., Doyen, J.T. & Purcell, A.H. (1998). Introduction to Insect Biology and Diversity, 2nd ed . Oxford University Press. pp. 404–406. ISBN 0-19-510033-6