Subject: Tiny with large pinchers/antannae
Location: Rhinelander, WI
December 30, 2012 10:24 pm
I found this on the wall in a cabin in northern Wisconsin. I was struck by the large pincer/antannae-like things in front. It was about 1-2mm minus the long things. Does anyone have any idea what it is? I don’t know much about bugs, but no one in my family had ever seen anything quite like it before. Thanks!
Signature: KO
Pseudoscorpion
Dear KO,
This is a harmless Pseudoscorpion. Pseudoscorpions are not considered Household Pests. They are generally outdoor creatures, but since they are so small, they are rarely noticed outside. Only when they enter homes do they become more visible. They can survive indoors where they feed on a variety of unwanted Household Pests like cockroaches and other undesirable intruders, so they can be considered beneficial. Unlike their namesakes, Pseudoscorpions do not possess venom and they pose no threat to humans, pets or household furnishings.
Thanks for taking the time to reply! Happy New Year!
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Pseudoscorpions actually do secrete venom from the pedipalps, although it is completely harmless to humans and so not very important to KO.
Can you provide us with an internet link on the venom issue?
Here’s one. http://seagrant.uaf.edu/marine-ed/curriculum/images/stories/kindergarten/pseudoscorpion.pdf
The venom is relatively weak and can usually only bring down prey the pseudoscorpion’s size or smaller. Some pseudoscorpions have a degree of social behavior because they can team up to subdue larger insects.
Thanks so much for providing this information. We will be sure to use this in future responses while trying to alleviate the fears of folks who encounter harmless Pseudoscorpions.
Just found one of these little buggers on bathroom floor in Belen, NM. Are these found throughout the US?
yes. they are harmless.
was going to take a shower and one of those fell from the ceiling freaked me the hell out
thanks so much for the intel – am in tick country so freaked by wee little brown specs that move!