Explanation of Names
"Pseudoscorpiones" is from the Latin word-element pseudo, derived from Greek pseudos (ψηυδος) "false" + Latin scorpiones, the nominative singular form of scorpio "scorpion".
Numbers
US: ~420 spp., 110 genera, 20 families
(1); Canada: 26 spp., 20 genera, 7 families recorded; about as many others likely to occur
(2)
Worldwide: ~3,530 spp. in >450 genera of 26 families
(3)(4)Identification
Small, flat, with pincer-like pedipalps (but no stinging "tail" as in true scorpions).
Identification keys provided in
(2)(4)Habitat
Under bark and stones, in leaf litter, caves, and homes
(5)Food
Most individuals have poison glands in their pincers which they use to subdue small insects.
(6)
Springtails are their favorite prey
(7)Life Cycle
They create igloo-shaped cocoons.
(7)Remarks
They are not pests and are considered harmless
Even though most individuals have venom glands, the animals are not large enough to hurt people
(6)
Can run backwards with ease
Often hitchhike on beetles to disperse
I remember them being abundant in the chicken houses I was responsible for while growing up and I assume they must have been feeding on bird lice [Troy]
None are known to be parasitic but they feed on arthropods in bird and rodent nests. They are sometimes found on beetles or other large insects where they apparently feed on mites.
(8)
They commonly hitch rides on beetles or other flying arthropods to travel.
Print References
Buddle, C.M. (2005). A primer on pseudoscorpions and taxonomic status in Canada. Newsletter of the Biological Survey of Canada (Terrestrial Arthropods) 24: 12-16. (
Full Text)
Chamberlin J.C. (1931). The arachnid order Chelonethida. Stannford Univ. Publ. Univ. Serv. Biol. Sci. 7: 1-284. (
Full Text)
Hoff, C.C. (1949) The pseudoscorpions of Illinois. Bull. Illinois Nat History Survey 24:413-498. (
Full Text)