Community identification
Booklouse (or Psocid)
Liposcelis spp.
- Order & Family
- Psocodea, Liposcelididae
- Size
- 1 to 2 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Damp, high-humidity indoor environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, bookshelves, and under wallpaper.
Diet & Feeding
Microscopic fungi, mold, mildew, starch-based glues (found in book bindings), and organic grains.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless, fast-running insects that thrive in environments with humidity above 60%; they go through simple metamorphosis from egg to nymph to adult.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite humans or pets and do not carry diseases; however, they can be a nuisance and signal a moisture or mold problem in the home.