
Community identification
Booklouse
Liposcelis spp.
- Order & Family
- Order Psocodea, Family Liposcelididae
- Size
- 1 - 2 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Damp, warm environments with high humidity, often found in books, paper, wall coverings, and stored food products.
Diet & Feeding
Microscopic fungi, mold, algae, and starchy organic materials like book bindings and wallpaper paste.
Behavior Patterns
Gregarious insects that thrive in high humidity; they are wingless and move with a characteristic jerky, running motion.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans as they do not bite or transmit disease, but can be a nuisance and cause minor damage to paper goods and stored dry pantry goods.