Barklice, AKA barkflies or booklice crawling on the bark of this crape myrtle tree.
Tom Bilbo, ©2023, Clemson Extension
These are barklice, AKA barkflies or booklice crawling on the bark of this crape myrtle tree. This species is probably Cerastipsocus venosus. Barklice are sometimes called “tree cattle” due to their behavior of moving around in a group like a herd of animals (try moving your finger slowly through the group to witness this behavior). They feed on various foodstuffs such as algae, lichen, dead insects, mold, and pollen. They do not feed on living plant tissue. These insects are not pests, so don’t worry when you see them around in dense clusters. Instead, enjoy their presence as one of the innumerable species of fascinating wildlife that can exist in your yard. Learn more about barklice here.
