Pseudoscorpions

Pseudoscorpiones

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudoscorpiones: /ˌsjuːdoʊˌskɔːrpiˈoʊniːz/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Chelifer cancroides 67203768 by Harrison J Elkins. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Garypus californicus 204297065 by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Pseudogarypus banksi by David Bird. Used under a CC0 license.
Chelifer cancroides 102105219 by Claire Moxon-Waltz. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Garypus californicus 184673116 by Casey H. Richart. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Chthonius tetrachelatus 154230450 by Lorin Timaeus. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Pseudoscorpiones (pseudoscorpions) are small, beneficial arachnids with pincer-like pedipalps and a varied prey diet. They inhabit diverse environments worldwide and play a crucial role in pest control.

Physical Characteristics

Body usually <3 mm, small, flat, with pincer-like pedipalps and no stinging tail. Range generally from 2 to 8 mm, with some species reaching up to 12 mm. Color may vary from yellowish-tan to dark-brown; paired claws often contrasting in color. They may have two, four, or no eyes.

Identification Tips

Often mistaken for ticks or small spiders. Identification keys provided in reference materials.

Habitat

Found worldwide under bark and stones, in leaf litter, caves, and in human homes.

Distribution

Approximately 3,530 species in over 450 genera worldwide, with dense populations in tropical and subtropical regions. Recorded in areas as diverse as Northern Ontario, Wyoming's Rocky Mountains, and caves in Australia.

Diet

Pseudoscorpions are beneficial predators that primarily feed on small arthropods like springtails, booklice, ants, mites, and carpet beetle larvae.

Life Cycle

Young go through three molts called the protonymph, deutonymph, and tritonymph stages. They reach adulthood after several molts and can live for 2-3 years.

Reproduction

Males produce a spermatophore that is attached to the substrate and picked up by the female. Fertilized eggs are carried in a brood pouch; females can store sperm for extended periods in some species.

Ecosystem Role

Pseudoscorpions play a role in controlling populations of small pests and contribute to the biodiversity and health of ecosystems.

Economic Impact

Generally considered beneficial as they prey on common household pests.

Cultural Significance

Pseudoscorpions are often overlooked due to their small size, but they have been referenced in historical texts as early as Aristotle's observations in libraries.

Health Concerns

While they possess venom, they are not harmful to humans due to their small size and lack of a stinger.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Hand collection under bark and stones
  • Pitfall traps
  • Using aspirators

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol fixation
  • Drying and mounting
  • Storing specimens in vials

Evolution

The oldest known fossil pseudoscorpion, Dracochela deprehendor, dates back to the mid-Devonian period, highlighting the ancient lineage of this order. Pseudoscorpions have retained many characteristics since their early emergence.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Pseudoscorpions are often confused with true scorpions, ticks, and other small arachnids; they do not have the same venom potency or morphological features as true scorpions.

Tags

  • Pseudoscorpiones
  • Arachnids
  • Beneficial arthropods