Journey to Natural: Pseudoscorpion (Lasiochernes cretonatus)

3/7/2012

sorry the pictures are so blurry/ inadequate. This guy was preeeeetty tiny.

This little guy was only about 1.5 mm long. I had been out exploring in the backyard taking pictures and I picked a fungi to later get a spore print for only to find back at my house this interesting little creature. Not a massive fan for the creepy crawlies, really only butterflies and moths but this guy, I had to admit, was fascinating. At first, since I had no idea what he could be, I googled pincer spider and scorpion spider. Quickly became disgusted and had the sensation of things crawling all over me after looking at only a few pictures. I proceeded to google insects with pincers and after a bit I stumbled upon the 'pseudoscorpion'. I have not successfully identified it's genus and species but I have also not taken the time to truly do an intense search. I found it necessary to post it to here simply because this little guy REALLY interested me. Sorry the pictures are not as good as they could be my camera is only 16 megapixels and the macro isn't something to brag about. It tends to treat me pretty well, however, when not zoomed in too much. Just thought I'd share this rare little gem, the pseudoscorpion.

http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/pseudoscorpions
http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/MES/notes/entnote16.html

Apparently not much is known of them and identification would be very difficult if not impossible. Maybe I can make it to a library sometime this week and they will have a reference book for arachnids.

My post on Project Noah was responded to by the very helpful, Injica. They suggested it could be Lasiochernes cretonatus. It seems to be the correct/ closest to being correct option I've had this entire time. I'm going to go with it. http://www.dochterland.org/pseudosc.htm the first picture on the website is impeccable and incredible quality.

http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/bsc/ejournal/b_10/b_10_main.html