Pseudoscorpions are tiny arachnids, often mistaken for ticks or small spiders. These creatures are relatives of true scorpions, but they lack a stinging tail and are entirely harmless to humans. They are predators that play a role in various ecosystems by preying on small insects and mites.
Global Presence
Pseudoscorpions are found globally, inhabiting nearly every continent except Antarctica, showcasing their remarkable adaptability. More than 3,300 species have been identified across various climates, from temperate and cold regions to the tropics and subtropics. While they are most diverse in warmer areas, some species thrive in surprising locations like Northern Ontario or the Rocky Mountains at high elevations.
Preferred Environments and Microhabitats
Pseudoscorpions inhabit a variety of environments, typically favoring dark, damp, and undisturbed places. They are commonly found in natural settings such as leaf litter, where decaying organic matter provides both moisture and a rich supply of small prey like springtails and mites. Underneath loose tree bark and in tree hollows, these arachnids find sheltered crevices, offering protection from predators and environmental extremes. Soil and moss also serve as ideal microhabitats due to their consistent humidity and abundance of prey.
Many species reside under stones and within fractured rocks, seeking stable conditions. Some pseudoscorpions are adapted to more specialized niches, including caves, where they live in complete darkness. In coastal areas, they can even be found in the intertidal zone, surviving in rock crevices.
Pseudoscorpions can also be found in human dwellings, particularly in areas with higher humidity such as bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. The species Chelifer cancroides, often called the “book scorpion,” is known to inhabit dusty bookshelves and attics, where it preys on booklice and house dust mites. These indoor environments mimic their preferred outdoor conditions by offering shelter and a consistent food source.
How Pseudoscorpions Travel
Pseudoscorpions are not mobile over long distances on their own. To overcome this limitation and disperse to new habitats, many species employ a unique method called “phoresy.” This involves hitchhiking on larger animals, primarily flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and even occasionally birds or other arachnids.
The pseudoscorpion grasps onto the host’s legs or other body parts with its pincers, allowing it to be carried to new locations. This behavior is prevalent for species living in temporary or fragmented habitats, like rotting logs or compost heaps. Phoresy enables pseudoscorpions to colonize new areas, find fresh food sources, and escape deteriorating conditions.