Psocid - Booklice? - Dorypteryx domestica - BugGuide.Net

Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Barklice, Booklice, and Parasitic Lice (Psocodea) » Trogiomorpha » Psocathropetae » Cave Barklice (Psyllipsocidae) » Dorypteryx » Dorypteryx domestica

Photo#1097668

Copyright © 2015 Rebecca

Psocid - Booklice? - Dorypteryx domestica

Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
April 29, 2011
Size: 1 mm

We trap quite high numbers of these little guys throughout our museum building. I inherited the name "drainfly" from my predecessor, however I don't think that's the name that I should be using - they are typically like moth flies I believe? I suspect that they are actually psocids - booklice but if someone can help clarify that would be great.

Images of this individual: tag all

Psocid - Booklice? - Dorypteryx domestica

Psocid - Booklice? - Dorypteryx domestica

Contributed by Rebecca on 7 July, 2015 - 11:00am

Danger to Collections?

I don't suppose that you would know if this specific species would be damaging to our collections? We've got just about every potential food source available in our storage rooms and I'd hate to think I'd been lax in dealing with them if they are as they're so commonly found on our traps.

… Rebecca, 7 July, 2015 - 2:08pm

i doubt they do any harm

but if you see them in numbers, please collect some for Diane (in alcohol)

… v belov, 7 July, 2015 - 3:52pm

Yes, it is Dorypteryx domestica

I never see this one! If someone were to send me some specimens in alcohol I'd send some homemade cookies! I covet these somewhat unsavory creatures.

… Diane Young, 7 July, 2015 - 1:51pm

Moved tentatively; nice find!

i mean, it's a widespread domestic bug, but apparently not a common one

Moved from ID Request.

… v belov, 7 July, 2015 - 11:43am

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2025 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by: