I was on a Biology field studies trip and observed these at Welder Wildlife Refuge in Stinton, TX (Southern Texas).
My Biology instructor couldn't figure out what these things were, so I've become curious and would like to know. This picture was taken on the eleventh of May.
i've uploaded a picture which has a closeup of a larger specimen and a front of a digital camera in the other for size comparison.
Thanks for looking!
These insects are in the order Psocoptera, and commonly are called “bark lice” or “tree cattle.” They cause no harm to the tree, feeding primarily on fungi, lichens, algae, and organic debris caught in the cracks of tree bark. Some species spin a protective webbing that can be a bit unsightly (see http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/bulletins/barklice/photo1.htm). See http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/News%20columns/Barklice.htm for much more information.
Cool, thanks a lot for your help!
