Psocoptera Research Articles

A New Species of the Extinct Family †Lophioneuridae1from the Lower Permian Wellington Formation of Noble County, Oklahoma

A new species of †Lophioneuridae Tillyard, 1921 is described and figured from a specimen of a nearly complete fore wing taken from the Lower Permian of Noble County, Oklahoma. †Cyphoneurodes patriciae, Beckemeyer n. sp., is closely related to the Elmo, Kansas Lower Permian species †Cyphoneurodes reducta (Carpenter, 1932) and †Cyphoneura permiana Carpenter, 1932. Originally placed in the order Psocoptera, the †Lophioneuridae are now considered to be related to the Thysanoptera.

The variability of the chromosome numbers in Psocomorpha (Insecta, Psocoptera)

Abstract Karyotypes of 10 species of Psocoptera of 8 genera and 5 families of the advanced suborder Psocomorpha are reported for the first time. In Stenopsocus aphidiformis End. 2n=23, 24 (22A + X0/XX); in Lachesilla pedic-ularia L., L. tanaidana Roesler, Ectopsocus briggsi McLachl., Elipsocus pumilis (Hagen), Amphigerontia bifasciata (Latr.), Sigmatoneura kolbei End., and Trichadenotecnum sexpunctatum L. 2n=17,18 (16A + X0/XX); in Amphigeron-tia jezoensis Okam. 2n=15, 16 (14A + X0/XX), and in Loensia variegata (Latr.) 2n=13, 14 (12A + X0/XX). The karyotype variability in suborder is estimated. The pathways of the karyotype evolution in Psocomorpha are discussed.

Molecular systematics of Psocomorpha (Psocoptera)

Abstract. Previous classification of the insect order Psocoptera has relied on morphological characters. Psocoptera are generally divided into three suborders: Trogiomorpha, Troctomorpha, and Psocomorpha. Traditional classification divides the Psocomorpha into four infraorders (Homilopsocidea, Caeciliusetae, Psocetae and Epipsocetae), but a recent morphological cladistic study removed Archipsocidae from Homilopsocidea and Hemipsocidae from Psocetae. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships within the suborder Psocomorpha using DNA sequences from the nuclear 18S and mitochondrial 16S, 12S and cytochrome oxidase I genes. Phylogenetic analyses of these gene sequences supported monophyly for Psocomorpha. In addition, monophyly of the traditional subgroups Caeciliusetae and Psocetae was generally supported. Monophyly of Homilopsocidea was not supported, and Archipsocus is removed from this group. Although the molecular phylogeny is generally consistent with recent cladistic studies of morphological characters, we found no evidence that Hemipsocidae should be removed from Psocetae.

Cuticular lipids of the booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila: hydrocarbons, aldehydes, fatty acids, and fatty acid amides.

The booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila, is an increasingly common pest of stored food products worldwide. We report here the cuticular lipid composition of this pest (the first report of the hydrocarbons of any member of the Order Psocoptera and the first report of fatty acid amides as cuticular components for any insect). No unsaturated hydrocarbons were present. A homologous series of n-alkanes (C21-C34), monomethyl alkanes (3-, 4-, 5-, 7-, 9-, 11-, 12-, 13- and 15-methyl-) with a carbon chain range of C28-C42, and dimethyl alkanes (3, 7-; 9, 13-; 11, 15-; 13, 17-; 9, 21-; 11, 19-; and 13, 21-) with a carbon number range of C31-C41 were identified. The relative abundances of these hydrocarbons were low, comprising approximately 0.0125% of total biomass. The amides were a homologous series (C16-C22 in chain length), with the major amide being stearoyl amide. In addition to the amides, free fatty acids (C16:1, C16:0, C18:2, C18:1, and C18:0 in chain length) and three straight chain aldehydes (C15, C16, and C17:1 in chain length) also occurred as cuticular components. These findings are discussed in terms of the chemical and physiological ecology of this species.

Three extraordinary new species of Psocoptera (Insecta) from Colombia, Malaysia and Thailand (Epipsocidae, Lachesillidae, Ectopsocidae)

The following species are described and illustrated: Odontopsocus compactus sp. n. (Colombia), Lachesilla hirsuta sp. n. (Thailand), Ectopsocus venosus sp. n. (East Malaysia: Sabah). Each of them is characterized by a morphological structure which is unusual within the genus concerned and, in the case of Odontopsocus compactus, unique within the order Psocoptera. The presence of a cup-like, unsegmented and heavily sclerotized abdominal carapace in this species is discussed in the light of its mode of life in humid moss and litter and is compared with similar convergent structures in other psocids.

Psocoptera spp. (book louse): a new major household allergen in Mumbai

Exposure and sensitization to indoor allergens of house dust mites and insects is well established. However, there are no reports on the allergenicity of Psocoptera spp. (book louse). These insects are known to inhabit various terrestrial habitats such as tree bark (bark lice), old papers, books, stored food products, etc and gain entry into human dwellings through these modes. They have the potential to sensitize individuals with an occupational exposure to them. Our objective is to use clinical and immunologic techniques to evaluate the extent of sensitization to Psocoptera in patients with nasobronchial allergy. We also have the objective to determine the extent of Psocoptera infestation in houses in Mumbai (Bombay). An entomologic analysis of dust samples in houses in Mumbai was carried out and Psocoptera found in these samples was mass-cultured. Two hundred patients were checked for allergy to the Psocoptera extracts using skin test. Total IgE and specific IgE to Psocoptera in sera from Psocopotera-sensitive patients' sera were estimated by enzyme immunoassay. IgE-binding proteins of Psocoptera were determined by immunoblotting experiments. Among the 75 house dust samples from Mumbai analyzed for the presence of Psocoptera, 25% were found to be infested by Psocoptera. Strong skin sensitivity to Psocoptera was found in 20% of patients. Total IgE levels >150 IU/mL were found in these patients and high levels of specific IgE to Psocoptera were detected by ELISA. Immunoblot analysis revealed 67, 59, 43, and 27 kD proteins as major allergens of Psocoptera. Psocoptera is an important allergen in Mumbai as it causes IgE mediated responses in 20% of the allergic population studied.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Partial Sequences of Elongation Factor 1α Identifies Major Groups of Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera)

As a first attempt to use molecular data to resolve the relationships between the four suborders of lice and within the suborder Ischnocera, we sequenced a 347-bp fragment of the elongation factor 1α gene of 127 lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) as well as outgroup taxa from the order Psocoptera. A number of well-supported monophyletic groups were found but the relationships among many of these groups could not be resolved. While it is probable that multiple substitutions at high divergences and ancient radiation over a short period of time have contributed to the problem, we attribute most of this lack of resolution to the high ratio of taxa to characters. Nevertheless, the sequence data unequivocally support a number of important relationships that are at variance with the conclusions of morphological taxonomy. These include the sister group relationship of Chelopistes and Oxylipeurus, two lice occupying different ecological niches on the same host, which have previously been assigned to different families. These results provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that lice have speciated in situ on the host in response to niche specialization and that this has given rise to convergent morphologies in the lice of different host groups which share similar ecological niches. We discuss our attempts to overcome the limitations of this large data set, including the use of leaf stability analysis, a new method for analyzing the stability of taxa in a phylogenetic tree, and examine a number of hypotheses of relationships based on both traditional taxonomy and host associations.

The stability of vertical distribution profiles of insects in air layers near the ground

The vertical distribution of insect orders, families, and species captured over 10 elevations from the ground to 15 m over 4 years in a potato agro-ecosystem differed considerably within and between taxa. Regression slopes representing these aerial profiles remained similar over the 4 years of the study for orders Thysanoptera, Neuroptera, and Psocoptera, changed considerably for Hemiptera, Homoptera and Ephemeroptera, and were statistically non-homogeneous for Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera. The slopes of the aerial profiles for families remained similar over the years for Carabidae and Elateridae, changed for Staphylinidae, Meloidae, and Scarabeidae, but were statistically non-homogeneous for Coccinellidae, Miridae, and Aphididae. The slopes of the aerial profiles for insect species were similar across years for Coccinella septempunctata L., Melanotus similis (Kirby), and Anatis mali Say, changed for Pyrrhalta luteola (Mull.), Ctenicera pulchra LeConte, Ctenicera tarsalis Melsheimer, Coccinella trifasciata perplexa Muls., Lygus lineolaris (P. de B.), Ctenicera appropinquans Randall, Apis mellifera L., and Adalia bipunctata (L.), but were significantly non-homogeneous only for Hippodamia convergens G.-M. Although most profiles obtained for insect orders in this study were remarkably similar to those reported in the literature, the level of between-year variation at our study site suggests that there is considerable overlap between profiles at all taxon levels. Vertical aerial profiles cannot be considered sufficiently characteristic of the species, family, or order across years for use as indicators of change in biodiversity. The impact of these results on insect monitoring are discussed.

Two new genera and four new species of Epipsocidae (Psocoptera) from China

Dichoepipsocus, gen. nov and Dimidistriata, gen. nov., each based on a new species, are described and assigned to family Epipsocidae. Bertkauia Kolbe and Hinduipsocus Badonnel are first recorded from China with one new species in each.

Psocid eggs on avocados mistaken for leafroller eggs

Psocid eggs on avocados mistaken for leafroller eggs

The sperm tail axoneme studied at high magnification

Abstract The axoneme of the insect sperm tail is usually described with the 9 + 9 + 2 formula which refers to 9 accessory tubules surrounding the classical 9 + 2 organelle. When studied with traditional methods the 9 + 9 + 2 pattern is seen as a more or less uniform entity. We describe here some techniques, which show that the axoneme actually is far from uniform and has a structure that in most cases is specific for the insect order. These techniques include fixation with a glutaraldehyde‐tannic acid mixture and computer‐aided image analysis. Several findings are reviewed here, for instance a non‐equidistant distribution of the 13 protofilaments in the wall of axonemal A‐tubules, the elliptical shape of the A‐tubules and of the accessory tubules of the three related insect orders Psocoptera, Anoplura and Mallophaga, and the existence of singlet microtubules with the same characteristics as A‐subtubules in insect order Thysanoptera.

Sperm flagellum of insects belonging to orders Psocoptera, Mallophaga and Anoplura. Ultrastructural and phylogenetic aspects

Abstract Spermatozoa from seven insect species belonging to the three orders Psocoptera, Mallophaga and Anoplura were examined by electron microscopy. Primary fixation was in a glutaraldehyde‐tannic acid mixture and post‐fixation in 1 % uranyl acetate rather than in an osmium tetroxide solution. With this fixation method the individual protofilaments of the axonemal microtubules are well resoved. The accessory tubules of the axoneme were found to have a wall consisting of 13 rather than 16 protofilaments, to have an elliptic cross‐section, and to have a lumen that appears electron‐dense except for a less dense centra! axis. The centriole was seen to consist of nine micrdtubular doublets, rather than triplets, and nine accessory tubules located at some distance from the doublets. The centriolar doubles are immersed in an electron‐dense material termed centriolar adjunct. These listed features of accessory tubules seem to be synapomorphic traits; they have not been seen in any other insect species. All exam...

Keys to the families and genera of Psocoptera (Arthropoda: Insecta)

An illustrated key to the families and genera of the insect order Psocoptera is given. A conspectus of the families and genera expresses the classification of the order. Smithers, C.N., 1990. Keys to the families and genera of Psocoptera (Arthropoda: Insecta). Technical Reports of the Australian Museum 2: 1-82.

New records and descriptions of mediterranean Psocoptera (Psocoptera)

New records and descriptions of mediterranean Psocoptera (Psocoptera)

Biology of the Psocoptera

Biology of the Psocoptera

Comment on the proposals to remove the homonymy between Caeciliidae in Amphibia and Insecta (Psocoptera) Z. N. (S.) 2333

Comment on the proposals to remove the homonymy between Caeciliidae in Amphibia and Insecta (Psocoptera) Z. N. (S.) 2333

The Geographical and Ecological Distribution of Arboreal Psocoptera

The order Psocoptera (the psocids) consists of some 36 families with perhaps 5,000 species (some 3 ,000 described), and is generally considered to be the monophyletic sister group of the order Phthiraptera within the superorder Psocodea (32,38,69,70). Fossils are known from the Permian, and most early fossils are generally placed in a separate suborder, Permopsocida. The earliest psocids are from the Kansas Lower Permian (75), and by the Oligocene most are referable to recent families and genera. The general biology and classifica­ tion of the order has been the subject of several recent reviews (3 0, 62, 75, 102). Some psocids occur in ground litter for a part or whole of their life cycle; others are found on rocks and in the nests of birds , rodents, and termites. A few species have been found in the feathers and fur of living birds and mammals. A number appear to live on herbs and grasses, and a few in moss, whereas others are found in caves (particularly Prionoglaridae and Psyllipsocidae). Several species are found in domestic habitats and use a wide range of foods that occur there. In this paper I attempt to review the present state of knowledge on the geographical and ecological distribution of those Psocoptera that inhabit trees and shrubs. The literature reviewed is largely confined to those publications appearing since 1964; the bibliography by Smithers (72) may serve as a source for earlier references.

Bravura and Skill Yield Kernels of Truth: Norma Farber's Poetry for the Young

Bravura and Skill Yield Kernels of Truth:Norma Farber's Poetry for the Young Alethea K. Helbig (bio) Norma Farber has been honored with several awards for the work for which she is chiefly known, poems for adults. But she has also written for a child audience, and the product does not disappoint. The same characteristics that distinguish her adult poems invigorate her poems for the young. There carefully crafted pieces reveal that Farber has the respect for and understanding of the minds of children that result in excellent work. In his introduction to Farber's first book of poems for adults, The Hatch (Scribner, 1955), John Hall Wheelock, himself a respected poet, remarks that her work has an energy, a verve, born of a natural vigor of expression. Such bravura has its risks . . . and may mislead the superficial reader. The thrust of staccato cadences, the exuberant vitality of the phrasing, the [bold] use of alliteration . . . these characterize the surface of poems whose kernel yields a subtle knowledge . . . acute observation freshly rendered . . . varying rhyme-schemes, employing assonance, false rhyme and interior rhyme, with great brilliance . . . weave a poetry that has richness to texture and substance . . . originality of expression . . . imaginative vitality. The vigor, boldness, and meticulous attention to detail of substance and to words which Wheelock speaks of create the unique vision of the book's title poem, one of Farber's finest poems, one of my personal favorites, and one that, though intended for adults, also excites young readers: I found myself one daycracking the shell of sky,peering into a placebeyond mere universe. I broke from egg of hereinto anotherwherewider than worldly homeI was emerging from. I breathed, I took a step,I looked around, and up,and saw another lininginside a further sky. The poem's imagery and diction subtly distill truth in order to explode the ordinary frame of reference and hint of challenge, adventure, and no outer limits. Some ten years after The Hatch, Farber began publishing for young readers and listeners. Her children's poems—three collections and a dozen single poem books—have the same unabashed audacity, sharp perception, and technical sureness. Her subject matter is broad, drawn largely from the world of nature, up close and as distant as the horizon and beyond: domestic situations, character studies, the alphabet, a contemplation of aging, relations between generations. She also writes of ancient and classical traditions, such as Noah's flood, Jonah's journey, and an adaptation in verse of a tale from Hawthorne. Small Wonders (Coward, 1979) and Never Say Ugh to a Bug (Greenwillow, 1979) consist primarily of lyrics, with some deft lighter pieces, nonsense, and a few story poems. These poems lift up inconsequential and often overlooked or derided creatures and objects, some real and some fanciful, with wit and humor, as in "Book Louse": It's simple truththat one sweet toothand another are apt to differ.So it's hardly fair to be minding,while one is enjoying the poetry, if another's preferring the binding. Never Say. She speaks with wonder and admiration in "Sun for Breakfast": Rise up and lookat pond, at brook.Night is now gone.Morning uponher silver trayis serving day. Small Wonders. With unabashed audacity and genial authority she considers maggots, among the most despised of creatures, shows how they fit into the scheme of things, and even gets away with the bland word "nice," as she imparts still another bit of knowledge in "Garbage Collector's Song": Never say Ugh! to maggots.It's not considered nice.They're nature's things—like coral strings, or grains of glistening rice. Never Say. Losers also come out on top in her amusing story poems, among others Where's Gomer? (Dutton, 1974), about Noah's mischievous grandson; in How the Left-Behind Beasts Built Ararat (Walker, 1978), which boldly tackles a troublesome moral issue and also advances a clever explanation for the origin of Ararat, the mountain quite literally created out of a molehill; in How the Hibemators Came to Bethlehem (Walker, 1978), where the vibrant star awakens the unsuspecting, sleeping animals and leads them...

Relationships Among Philotarsid and Pseudocaeciliid Genera and a Proposed New Family Bryopsocidae (Psocoptera)

This article has no abstract.

Novel uptake systems for atmospheric water vapor among insects

AbstractUptake of water vapor from subsaturated atmospheres in the Psocodea is accomplished by an oral device. During uptake paired lingual sclerites of the ventral hypopharynx are brought into a typical absorbing position. Vapor condensation proceeds onto a fluid layer covering this surface. This fluid presumably originates from a pair of dorsal labial glands. The condensed vapor is transferred from the site of condensation to the entrace of the gut via a sclerotized tubule traversing the hypopharynx. Propulsion of the fluid is achieved by a cibarial sucking pump which operates intermittently. Below the critical equilibrium humidity (CEH) the fluid layer dries up, the salivarium is closed, and uptake of vapor ceases. Uptake of water vapor is a feature common to the whole order Psocoptera and is apparently not related to specific environmental conditions. Among the ectoparasitic descendants from the Psocopteran stock the absorbing system is preserved in both groups of the Mallophaga (Amblycera and Ischnocera); the faculty has, however, been lost independently by single species in both lines. In these species structural components of the uptake device are modified or reduced. The faculty appears to be completely absent in the Anoplura. The distribution of vapor uptake among the Phthiraptera is neither correlated with the type of host nor the mode of nutrition. The CEHs of the Mallophagans (43 to 52% relative humidity: R. H.) are markedly lower than those of the Psocoptera (58 to 85% R. H.). The uptake rates of most Mallophagans are extraordinarily high. A novel case of anal vapor uptake is reported in flea larvae and a preliminary account of rectal structures, possibly involved in vapor uptake, is given.