Pseudoscorpions

Wyochernes sp. Wyochernes sp.

What are they?

Very small and easily-overlooked invertebrates which can actually be quite common if searched for in leaf litter. These tiny creatures are active hunters of other, small, invertebrates but, despite their formidable-looking pincers which carry a poison gland to help subdue prey, they are so small as to be harmless to humans. Perhaps their most interesting feature is that they will regularly latch onto larger invertebrates and hitch a ride to spread to new feeding opportunities and it is always worth keeping an eye out for them when studying insects coming to the porch light at night.

Identification

A very difficult group to identify to species, with over 400 different species known from North America.



     Wyochernes sp.

Small, dark creatures that are most likely to be found when attached to the leg of a much larger invertebrate.

Wyochernes sp. Wyochernes sp.
Attached to hind leg
of bush-cricket