Species Insects & ArthropodsPseudoscorpion

Pseudoscorpion

Chelifer cancroides

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Pseudoscorpion (Chelifer cancroides)

The Pseudoscorpion (Chelifer cancroides) is a tiny, scorpion-like arachnid with large chelate pedipalps but no tail or stinger. Despite its fearsome appearance at magnification, it is harmless to humans and is actually a beneficial predator of mites, booklice, and other tiny pests in homes and libraries. It practices phoresy — hitchhiking on larger insects to travel between habitats.

Habitat
Leaf litter, soil, bark, and inside old books and buildings
Diet
Adults: mites, booklice, fly larvae, and other tiny arthropods
How common
Common

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