If not for their tiny size, pseudoscorpions might be rather intimidating. These small arachnids go largely unnoticed as they prey on insects in leaf litter or under bark. Pseudoscorpions are so named for their resemblance to true scorpions.
Description:
Like all arachnids, pseudoscorpions have just two body parts, a cephalothorax and an abdomen. They're quite small, measuring no more than 5 mm, and usually less than 3 mm in length. Pseudoscorpions may have two or four eyes, though some have none at all. With their large claws, pseudoscorpions do resemble true scorpions, they lack a sting.
Pseudoscorpions produce silk using spinnerets on the chelicerae. They spin a cocoon of sorts in which they overwinter. Males also make silk sheets on which they place a spermatophore. The male guides the female over his sperm packet and entices her to pick it up.
Pseudoscorpions use their pedipalps to catch and feed on small insects. Many have venom glands on the pedipalps to help subdue their prey. They sometimes live in or near rodent and bird nests or chicken coops, where they can feed on lice or mites.
Habitat and Distribution:
Pseudoscorpions live in leaf litter or moss, as well as under bark or stones. Some pseudoscorpions hitch rides by clinging to beetles or other large insects. Worldwide, there are roughly 24 families in the order Pseudoscorpiones, with over 3,400 species known.
Major Families in the Order:
- Family Chthoniidae
- Family Neobisiidae
- Family Cheliferidae
- Family Chernetidae
