Booklice - Insect Identification

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Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Booklice

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Booklice are white and tiny, but they are not a threat to people like the blood-sucking enemy of animals that are often associated with the word 'lice'.

Updated: 01/22/2026; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org Booklice are a type of chewing lice, not sucking lice, which means they are not at all interested in humans or other animals. This type of louse feeds on fungi and mold, which can exist in very old, musty libraries where they were often found. Booklice commonly live in large groups, which can be alarming, but aside from being a nuisance, they are not a threat to people, grains, fabric, or furniture unless those things are moldy. The body of a Book Louse may be white or pale brown, depending on the species, and it has a single dark spot by the tip of the abdomen where one would expect an anus. The antennae are straight, long and wispy, reaching out at 45 degree angles from the head. A double neck collar connects the head to the oblong abdomen. Booklice also cause initial alarm because they look similar to other undesirable pests like bed bugs and young termites. Bed bugs are a much darker brown with dark stomachs, and have very short antennae. Young termites are slightly larger than Booklice, and have a round, spherical head, a single neck collar, and an elongated abdomen. Young termites also have two small, short 'tails' that stick out from the end of the abdomen. Booklice do not have these protrusions. If seen outsides, Booklice are in their element. If found inside, take comfort knowing that they will not harm anyone or anything. Their presence is likely the most annoying thing about them.©InsectIdentification.org Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

General Characteristics

Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Species Breakdown Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Psocoptera Family: Liposcelididae View More Genus: Various View More Species: spp.

Identifying Information

Size, Colors, Features Scientific Name: Various spp. Category: Chewing Lice Size (Adult; Length): 1mm to 1mm (0.03" to 0.03") Colors: white; brown Descriptors: small; two necks; round body; straight antennae; brown anus; bed bug; termite; harmless

Relative Size Comparison

Typical Size Between 1mm (0.0in) and 1mm (0.0in) Lo: 1mm Md: 1mm Hi: 1mm

Territorial Reach (A-to-Z)

U.S., Canada, and Mexico Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Mexico

Territorial Map*

U.S., Canada, and Mexico Alaska Hawaii Prince Edward Is. * MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Booklice may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Booklice. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits. Site Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | Sitemap Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org 2026 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2026 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content. ©2026 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2026 (20yrs)