Lice Order: PhthirapteraFamily: Pediculidae Description and life history Lice are insect ectoparasites that feed on the blood of vertebrates. The medical term “pediculosis” refers to a lice infestation and is a very common diagnosis worldwide. Chewing lice...
Mosquitoes and West Nile virus Order: DipteraFamily: Culicidae Description Over 200 species of mosquitoes inhabit the United States, with over 45 species of mosquitoes occurring in Colorado. Mosquitoes are small flies that have long, slender legs, piercing-sucking...
Fleas Order: SiphonapteraFamily: Pulicidae Description Fleas are wingless insects that have spines on the legs and body. These insects are small, measuring about 1.4-2 mm (1/18-1/13 inch) long and have flattened, red or brown bodies with piercing-sucking mouthparts...
Houseplant pests Order: Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Acari, Diptera, Collemobla Description, life history, and management While many insect and mite pests are damaging to houseplants, some are strictly nuisance pests and do not affect the health of the plant. Some common...
Booklice Order: PsocopteraFamily: Liposcelididae, Trogiidae Description Booklice are small insects that do not bite or sting and can be a pest indoors. These insects are usually wingless, measure about 1-2 mm (<1/10 inch) in length, and often appear as moving white...
