Hairy-winged barklice
Scientific name: Amphipsocidae
Hairy-winged barklice
Scientific name: Amphipsocidae
Description
The Amphipsocidae may not be widely recognized, yet these intriguing insects play a pivotal role in the ecosystems they inhabit. Often mistaken as common dust particles, members of the Amphipsocidae actually belong to the order Psocoptera, commonly referred to as 'booklice' or 'barklice'. Contrary to the misconceptions, they neither damage books nor harm healthy trees but sustain themselves on mildew, fungi, algae, and organic detritus. This natural diet makes them important cleaners in their environments, helping to recycle decaying material and control fungal populations.