General Description

Body like a scorpion, but without a tail. Pair of claws (pincers) at the front of the body. Up to 1 cm long.

Biology

Pseudoscorpions prey on other small invertebrates. Some have venom which they use to subdue and kill their prey, some tear their prey apart using their large front claws. They are sometimes found clinging to larger insects or spiders for transport. Many pseudoscorpions make silk shelters in which they moult. Females brood their young to embryo stage, then deposit them in a brood-sac on the outside of her body. Each brood can hatch up to two dozen young. After hatching, the young will remain on their mother for a while. Most species live for two to three years.

Distribution

Worldwide. Mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

In leaf litter, under the bark of trees and under rocks.

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