Booklouse

Scientific Name: Liposcelis spp. (Typical genus found indoors)

Order & Family: Psocodea; Liposcelididae

Size: Very small, typically 1 mm to 2 mm in length.

Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp indoor environments, often found near moldy paper, books, wallpaper, stored grains, or humid cracks and crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on microscopic fungi, mold spores, starch, glue (from book bindings), and sometimes dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

They do not bite or fly (most indoor species are wingless). They move quickly in short, jerky bursts and are attracted to areas with high humidity where mold can grow.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: harmless to humans (no biting/sting), but can be a nuisance pest and contaminate stored grains. Benefits: They indicate high humidity or mold issues in a home and act as scavengers.

Identified on: 2/25/2026