Pseudoescorpiões

Pseudoescorpiões, also known as book scorpions or false scorpions, are a small order of arachnids, Pseudoscorpiones, that resemble true scorpions but lack a tail and a stinger. They are found worldwide in a variety of habitats, including leaf litter, under bark, in soil, and in human dwellings. Despite their scorpion-like appearance with large pedipalps, they are harmless to humans and are generally beneficial as they prey on small insects and mites.

These arachnids are characterized by their flattened bodies, eight legs, and prominent pedipalps that are equipped with venom glands and a spinneret. The venom is used to subdue prey. They are typically small, ranging from 1 to 8 millimeters in length, and their coloration varies from light brown to dark brown. Pseudoescorpiões have a short life cycle and reproduce by laying eggs, which hatch into miniature versions of the adults.

Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates like springtails, mites, insect eggs, and larvae. They play a role in controlling populations of these smaller organisms in their ecosystems. Some species have adapted to live in specific environments, such as the silk of spider webs or in bird nests. Their inconspicuous nature and small size often lead to them being overlooked, but they are a fascinating and ecologically important group of arachnids.