Common Barklice
Pscocidae
Key Features

  • Small insects with angular wing marks
  • Striped wingless immature insects
  • Webs (only certain species)
Striped immatures and winged adults (Photo by S. Yaninek)
Striped immatures and winged adults (Photo by S. Yaninek)
Adult barklice on lilac trunk
Adult barklice on lilac trunk
Winged adult and striped immature stages
Winged adult and striped immature stages
Symptoms

Although this group of insects does not damage plants and shrubs, it can cause concern when groups of them are found on the bark. Some species may produce unsightly webs. As these insects chew on bits of bark, fungi, lichen, and other organic matter, none harm their host plant. Cerastipsocus venosus adults can be 1/4 in long and have distinctive wings. Wingless immature stages are striped.

Biology

Winged adults and wingless nymphs can be present all summer.

Barklice can occur in large groups on trunk
Barklice can occur in large groups on trunk
Management Recommendations

Control is not needed. This is not a pest. Barklice may be dislodged from bark by spraying with a strong stream of water from a garden hose.

Effective Pesticides

Pesticides are neither available nor recommended for managing this pest.

Lookalikes

Resources

landscape report
Purdue Landscape Report
PPDL
Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory