Yard Critter of the Week - Barklice

Cerastipsocus venosus, also known as Psocid Barklice.

The images in this post show mostly nymphs, although if you look closely you'll see an adult or two.  These are herd insects and as my go to guy when it comes to insects, John Maxwell, told me, "... you can chase them with your finger and the entire flock tries to stay together. ..." Safety in numbers perhaps?

While they look kinda scary, especially to insectphobes, they are harmless to humans and beneficial to one's yard.

Functioning as tree cleaners, they feed on fungi, dead bark, lichens, and algae, keeping the bark free of debris.

And they are just cool to look at and play around with.

🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞

Thanks to John Maxwell for identifying this species.

You can find all of the Yard Critter posts listed here.