Liposcelis bostrychophila(Psocoptera: Liposcelididae), a stored food pest in the UK

Over the last 30 years the booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila has become an increasingly common domestic pest of stored food products. This review draws together published and unpublished information on the biology, population dynamics, and physiology of this species. The current pest status of L. bostrychophila in the UK and elsewhere is described. Emphasis is given to the parthenogenetic nature of reproduction and the surprising degree of variability seen in populations from different locations in the UK. A variety of approaches to the management of booklice as pests are explored, both in the industrial and domestic setting. Tolerance to pyrethroid insecticides has been found in some populations and is identified as a potential problem in current control practices.