Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00756
Ptycta placophora
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About Ptycta placophora
Ptycta placophora is a member of Psocidae in the order Psocodea. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is kauaʻi endemic.
Ptycta placophora is a native barklouse in the endemic Hawaiian Ptycta radiation and is documented from Kauaʻi.
Kauaʻi occurrence evidence: Thornton (1984) reports P. placophora as frequent to common on Kauaʻi from lowlands to the Kōkeʻe/Alakaʻi region, with holotype and extensive material from Kauaʻi.
The cited occurrence evidence does not by itself establish current abundance or population trend on Kauaʻi.
Life cycle
Egg; nymphal instars; adult; incomplete metamorphosis.
Habitat
Native Kauaʻi forest vegetation, bark and foliage; species/locality detail from Thornton and later collections should be completed per record.
Food and ecological role
Primarily epiphytic microflora, lichens, algae and organic films typical of barklice.
Reproduction
Egg-laying and mating biology require species-specific sourcing.
Movement
Adults may fly; local movement among vegetation; dispersal ability varies by species.
Ecosystem role
Small grazer/detritivore in native forest surface communities and prey for other arthropods.
Monitoring
Lock modern Kauaʻi locality/voucher detail where available, accepted-name authority, host or microhabitat associations, and exact-taxon public reference media/license.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Ptycta placophora
- Family
- Psocidae
- Order
- Psocodea
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Historic + taxonomically documented; current occurrence to verify
- Origin
- Kauaʻi endemic
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Ptycta placophora is a member of Psocidae in the order Psocodea. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is kauaʻi endemic.