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Photo#85187
Psocoptera - Graphopsocus cruciatus

Psocoptera - Graphopsocus cruciatus
New Westminster, Vancouver area, British Columbia, Canada
October 28, 2006
Size: approx 6mm
I found several of these on a plant about five meters from a river, 30 minutes after dusk. The third photo (the one with more of a lateral view) may be of a different individual.

My first thought, on seeing the patterned wings, was Sciomyzidae (marsh flies (1)) but the long antennae sure don't fit. My next thought was Trichoptera (caddisflies (2)), in particular Hydropsychidae (netspinning caddisflies) which can have long antennae and patterned wings; the next-to-river habitat seemed right. However, I can't find a Trichopteran match or near-match either here in the guide or in Marshall (3).

I couldn't think of where else to look, taxonomically.

Images of this individual: tag all
Psocoptera - Graphopsocus cruciatus Psocoptera - Graphopsocus cruciatus Psocoptera - Graphopsocus cruciatus

Moved

Graphopsocus cruciatus
I agree with "Psocoptera". The wing markings and vein patterns on this species is unlike most other Psocoptera in North America...five dark black marks in the first half of the wing and a light beige "F" mark in the second half of the wing. A species of Cerastipsocus also has an "F" but the discoidal cell (in the centre of the wing) is very different. Graphopsocus cruciatus; Family Stenopsocidae is thought to have been introduced in the 1930 to both the east and west coast from Europe or Asia. After quickly spreading up and down both coasts it is now slowly moving inland.

 
Great!
I've moved to species page. I was able to find a couple references on you, Phillip. Please don't hesitate to add a line or two on your profile page (click on your name to get there).

Family Stenopsocidae, Graphop
Family Stenopsocidae, Graphopsocus sp. could be crusiatus

 
It's great to have an ID,
especially an ID for someone who seems to have expert-level opinions. We are a friendly group here. Let us get to know you.

Psocoptera
Bark Louse, Psocoptera. 6mm seems a little long for bark lice, but I just checked Arnett's American Insects and it said usually 1-5 mm, occasionally up to 10 mm.

Nice photos!

 
Yes
I've seen some good-sized ones also. Wished I'd had my camera.

 
We have these right now in Seattle
I have been photographing these for about a month now (not as well as you!).
Here is a thumnail of a winged one:

Here is a thumnail of an immature (not necessarily the same species) that has a link in the comments that I found very interesting.

 
thanks
Thanks all for the ID.

Stephen, when I said approx. I meant it...they could've easily been 4mm. And thanks for the compliment...I've seen some nice photos of yours, too!

Cheryl, thanks for the info on your critters down south...they look to be the same or a similar species, but I didn't see any webs associated with mine. Those bigs webs on the link were pretty awesome!
I attribute my success with the photos to a good flash setup, which allows me to use a very small aperture on a dedicated macro lens.

I'm moving these images to Psocoptera.

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