Booklouse

Scientific Name: Psocoptera (various species)

Order & Family: Order Psocoptera, various families (e.g., Liposcelididae)

Size: Typically 1-2 mm in length, often appearing as tiny specks.

Booklouse

Natural Habitat

Damp, warm, and dark environments with sources of mold or organic matter. Commonly found in homes, libraries, museums, and food storage areas.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on mold, fungi, dead insects, pollen, and starchy materials like book bindings, wallpaper paste, and stored food products.

Behavior Patterns

Generally nocturnal and prefer sheltered, humid locations. They are not known to bite humans or pets. Their presence often indicates high humidity or moisture problems.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include potential damage to books, paper products, and stored foods. They do not transmit diseases to humans. They serve as a food source for other insects and can indicate conditions conducive to mold growth.

Identified on: 11/9/2025