
Community identification
Psocid (often called Booklouse)
Liposcelis spp.
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea, Family: Liposcelididae
- Size
- 1mm to 2mm in length
Natural Habitat
Starchy and damp environments, including old books, wallpaper, stored food products, and damp areas of homes with high humidity.
Diet & Feeding
Microscopic mold, fungi, algae, and starchy materials like book glue, paper, and grains.
Behavior Patterns
They are scavengers that thrive in high humidity (>60%). They do not fly and are often found in large numbers if conditions are damp; their life cycle is about 25 to 110 days depending on temperature.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite humans or pets and do not spread disease. They are primarily a nuisance and a sign of excess moisture or mold, though they can contaminate stored pantry goods.