Pseudoscorpions and real scorpions share many similarities, despite their differences in appearance. Both belong to the class Arachnida, making them close relatives of spiders, ticks, and mites.
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Pseudoscorpions possess flattened, oval-shaped bodies with two visible pedipalps (pincers), and are typically reddish or brown in color. Though they lack a stinger or tail like their true scorpion counterparts, these small creatures still showcase fascinating features that make them unique to the world of arachnids.
Real scorpions, on the other hand, are more recognizable with their segmented bodies, pedipalps, and a venomous stinger at the end of a tail. While their appearances may differ, both pseudoscorpions and scorpions share the remarkable ability to adapt and survive in diverse environments all around the globe.
Pseudoscorpions and Scorpions Overview
Arachnid Classification
Pseudoscorpions and scorpions both belong to the Arachnid family, just like spiders, ticks, and mites. Being part of this classification, they share similarities in their features, such as:
- Both having eight legs
- Two pedipalps (pincers) present in both species
- Exoskeletons covering their bodies
However, they also have key differences.
Key Differences
Some of the notable differences between pseudoscorpions and scorpions are:
- Size: Pseudoscorpions are much smaller, with the largest ones only reaching about ¼ inch long. In contrast, scorpions are generally larger.
- Body Shape: Pseudoscorpions have a flattened, teardrop- or pear-shaped body, while scorpions have a longer and segmented body.
- Tail: Scorpions have a long and flexible tail with a stinger at the end, which they use for self-defense and hunting. Pseudoscorpions lack this distinctive feature.
| Feature | Pseudoscorpions | Scorpions |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Up to ¼ inch long | Larger |
| Body Shape | Flattened, teardrop- or pear-shaped | Longer, segmented |
| Tail | Absent | Long, flexible, with stinger at the end |
To summarize, while pseudoscorpions and scorpions both fall under the arachnid classification, they still exhibit some key differences. Pseudoscorpions are often referred to as “false scorpions” due to their visual resemblance but lack of a stinging tail. These tiny arachnids are unique in their own way, while still maintaining some traits that connect them to their real scorpion relatives.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Body Structure
- Pseudoscorpions:
- Smaller in size
- Body length about 1/5 inch long (around 3/8 inch when including pedipalps) 1
- Scorpions:
- Larger in size
- Varying body length, typically 2-4 inches (larger species can be 8 inches or more)
Pseudoscorpions have a flattened, oval, or teardrop-shaped body structure, while scorpions possess a more elongated and segmented body1. Both have an abdomen and a cephalothorax.
Limbs and Pincers
- Pseudoscorpions:
- 8 legs
- Pedipalps with pincers (chela)1
- Scorpions:
- 8 legs
- Pedipalps end in pincers (chela) too
Despite their differences in size, both pseudoscorpions and scorpions share the number of legs (8) and their use of pedipalps functioning as pincers2.
Venom Apparatus
- Pseudoscorpions:
- Chelicerae (mouthparts) for venom injection3
- No stingers or tails
- Scorpions:
- Stinger at the end of a curved tail4
- Venom injected through a stinger
Pseudoscorpions deliver venom through bite, while scorpions have a stinger at the end of their tail used for venom injection34.
Eyes and Mouthparts
- Pseudoscorpions:
- Eyes can be present or absent3
- Chelicerae for biting and injecting venom
- Scorpions:
- Typically have multiple eyes2
- Chelicerae for feeding purposes only
While both pseudoscorpions and scorpions have chelicerae, pseudoscorpions use them for venom injection, and scorpions use them strictly for feeding32.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Pseudoscorpions | Scorpions |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller (1/5 inch) | Larger (2-4 inches, more for larger species) |
| Pincers | Chela on pedipalps | Chela on pedipalps |
| Venom Apparatus | Chelicerae (bite) | Stinger on tail |
| Eyes | Presence varies | Usually multiple eyes |
Behavior and Ecology
Habitat
Both pseudoscorpions and real scorpions can be found in various habitats. Pseudoscorpions often dwell in leaf litter, under tree bark, and indoors (UMN Extension). Scorpions, on the other hand, are commonly found in dry and desert conditions but can also adapt to forests and grasslands.
Feeding and Diet
Both arachnids have similar diets consisting mainly of small invertebrates:
- Pseudoscorpions: prey on mites, springtails, and booklice
- Scorpions: eat insects, spiders, and other scorpions
Predation involves using their pedipalps to capture and manipulate their prey, injecting venom through the pedipalps in the case of pseudoscorpions, or a tail stinger in the case of scorpions.
Predation and Survival Strategies
Pseudoscorpions and scorpions exhibit different survival tactics:
- Pseudoscorpions: employ phoresy, hitching rides on larger insects to disperse and find new habitats
- Scorpions: use their venom for self-defense against predators
Both arachnids rely on their camouflage for protection by blending into their environments.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Reproduction in both pseudoscorpions and scorpions involves the transfer of a spermatophore from the male to the female. However, their life cycles differ:
- Pseudoscorpions: females carry eggs in a brood sac until the larvae emerge and go through molting stages
- Scorpions: females give live birth and carry their young on their backs until the first molt
Role in Ecosystem
Pseudoscorpions and scorpions play vital roles in their ecosystems by controlling populations of small invertebrates and insects. They also serve as food sources for larger predators.
Interesting Varieties and Examples
Pseudoscorpion Species
Pseudoscorpions are small, harmless arachnids that resemble scorpions but lack a long tail and stinger. They have a flattened, teardrop- or pear-shaped body, with a size ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 inches long 1. A notable example of a pseudoscorpion species is the Chelifer cancroides, which preys on small insects such as flies and mites. Just like any other pseudoscorpion, they are considered beneficial for controlling other pests in homes 5.
- Characteristics:
- Harmless to humans
- Small size
- Flattened, teardrop-shaped body
Scorpion Species
On the other hand, scorpions are venomous arachnids with a larger body size and a long tail equipped with a stinger. They belong to the same class as pseudoscorpions but are more aggressive and have a more diverse range of species. There are over 1,000 scorpion species in the world, with Mexico being home to the highest diversity of scorpions 3. A well-known example of a scorpion species is the Emperor Scorpion, which is a popular pet due to its imposing size and relatively mild venom.
- Characteristics:
- Venomous
- Larger body size
- Long tail with a stinger
Comparison Table
| Features | Pseudoscorpions | Scorpions |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1/16 to 1/8 inches long | Varies depending on the species |
| Body Shape | Flattened, teardrop- or pear-shaped | Segmented, elongated body |
| Tail with Stinger | No | Yes |
| Harmful to humans | No | Some species |
| Prey | Small pests such as flies and mites | Variety of insects and small animals |
Miscellaneous Related Topics
Aristotle and Micrographia
Aristotle was one of the first researchers to study pseudoscorpions and real scorpions, focusing on their similarities and differences. Micrographia, a science publication by Robert Hooke, also took interest in these arachnids, showcasing their unique characteristics.
Bugs That Look Like Scorpions
There are a few bugs that resemble scorpions, such as:
- Dust mites
- Land crabs
- Worms
Though they may appear similar, they do not share the same harmful abilities or characteristics.
When Scorpions and Pseudoscorpions Meet Humans
Scorpions and pseudoscorpions can encounter humans in various situations, such as in:
- Tropical and subtropical regions
- Mulch or burrows
- Infestations in the UK
Both arachnids have the ability to pinch with their pedipalps, but only scorpions possess a venomous stinger to deliver toxins.
Comparison between Scorpions and Pseudoscorpions:
| Feature | Scorpion | Pseudoscorpion |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger (up to 20 cm) | Smaller (up to 5 mm) |
| Color | Varies, often black | Reddish or brown |
| Wings | Absent | Absent |
| Glands | Poison gland in stinger | Saliva glands, no poison gland |
| Metabolism | Slower | Faster |
| Habitat | Burrows, under rocks | Cocoons, leaf litter |
| Harm to humans | Can be harmful | Rarely, if ever, harmful |
Scorpions are generally more destructive than pseudoscorpions, but both are important in maintaining a balance in the ecosystem. For example, pseudoscorpions can control infestations of other pests like dust mites or help clean up detritus. Overall, interactions with humans are rare, but always practice caution when encountering any arachnid.
62 Comments. Leave new
This web site is great. This morning i woke to my girlfriend yelling to me to come, there is a crab in our bathroom. Before i got there it had already been killed. Off to work she went and all i got all day, bye text was our house has crabs thinking its the bad type lol. On other words she was making me buy crazy cleaning stuff to basicly exterminate our house. Instead i decided to look up the little critter; finding out it is no harm but actually good. Lots of preasure off my solders when i told her, seeing i was on days off and she wanted me to ripe the house apart.
My husband seen this one on our room couple nights ago….
thought it was a bed bug, but looked into the this site, & came upon it.
is there anything i could use to get rid of?
or should i leave them alone?…
Thank you so much guys. I found that bug (know identified as Pseudoscorpions) in my bathroom and I was worried if it was some type of wood tick/flea or possibly bed bug and I was searching the web and your website was the first to appear and the first to show me what this is. From Canada and -30 C weather here in winter right now, I was wondering how this guy was not dead.
THANK YOU so much for getting a fear out of my mind.
Christy
Hi Christy,
We are so happy to hear we were helpful for you. Pseudoscorpion images taken indoors are quite plentiful in our archives, but specimens in nature are noticeably absent. This leads us to conclude that it is beneficial for Pseudoscorpions to cohabitate with humans. The -30C temperatures are a good reason for Pseudoscorpions to seek shelter indoors.
Thank you so much guys. I found that bug (know identified as Pseudoscorpions) in my bathroom and I was worried if it was some type of wood tick/flea or possibly bed bug and I was searching the web and your website was the first to appear and the first to show me what this is. From Canada and -30 C weather here in winter right now, I was wondering how this guy was not dead.
THANK YOU so much for getting a fear out of my mind.
Christy
Hi,
I have found the same creature on my kitchen counter this morning eating my butter! I freaked out because I have a baby and don’t like bugs!!! I know ticks carry Lyme so I’m scared, but happy to read its harmless! If you can please help me , I would like to know where they come from so that I could prevent them from entering my home. What kind of environment they like and an assurance that they are harmless.
Thank you so much in advance!:)
Monika
found in shower and put outside thought at first it was a spider cute thanks for the ID. Very helpful….
We live in south Texas. Found poolside.
do they bite?
They do not bite people.
Life is full of wonderful little things and wonders. I found one of these brave little creatures in my Vermont kitchen and when I poked it with a pen looking through a magnify glass the claws raised with shear determination. And we think we have it so tough!?! Life is Good!
So happy to find out what it is thought it was a pubic crab called Morpion in french.Merci
I just found one of these in my bedroom crawling on the wall. I live in northwestern PA and I was hiking earlier today–maybe brought him in from the state park?
How do u get rid of them?
Found one in my bathroom just now! Would have been freaked by it if I hadn’t already known about them from doing a bit of research on scorpions earlier this summer. I put it in a container to show my family when they get home later. It’s a cute little chubby one, and I’m kind of tempted to keep it to add to my scorpion “collection” lol. They’re really fascinating creatures. I may put it back though, to keep the earwigs and other crawlies that like to overrun my bathroom from getting too out of hand again. I also have several spiders that live in the corners, I let them stay. Only place I remove the spiders from generally is the bedroom, they like to bite me when I’m sleeping. Kind of amazing to think we have our own little ecosystems in our houses that we never even notice!
THANK YOU! I have looked all morning on the internet to try and find out what this guy is. He kinda looks like a crab so my search was useless. Scorpion? Who would have guessed. Glad he is harmless so it can stay . This is the first live one I seen. We have them stuck to the panel tape in our bedroom . Amazing little critter.
My second cousin lives in Arizona. Now I can say “we have scorpions here in Prince Edward Island too” lol
Yup, I find them in our tub from time to time and always thought they might bite our kitties. So glad to find out what they are! We live in PEI too.
Pseudoscorpions make great housemates! Have only seen a dozen in my home of 22 years, but all of them have been well behaved and they obviously are helpful in ridding me of other “creatures” I wouldn’t want to get over populated. Thank you for educating us!
One of these little guys was in my bathroom in northern Minnesota! Lol
found one in Saskatoon Sakatchewan. Freaked me out!!! Thought it was a tick on steroids since the ticks are so bad this year. Thanks for the Information
This is what I found to in my bathroom I thought a tick from ny sons dog this is twice I found 1 on the wall. Ib nashua nh
Please help,
I found one in my bathroom, and don’t know what to call it,
what is a good name for this cute “Not an Insect”?
Just kidding, I put it in a flower box in balcony, I’m glad you don’t provide extermination advises, Don’t know why you don’t, still I’m glad.
Thank you.
I was making my bed and found one in between the sheets. I just got out of bed a few minutes ago. So glad I searched and know I’m safe, I did kill it though.
The one in my bathroom in Vermont has much longer arms and much larger pinchers that truly look like a lobsters big pinchers. So far I have not seen a picture of the one I’m seeing.
Just found one sleeping on my toilet paper roll! LOL
I found one in our shower this morning in New Mexico. It was really tiny! It’s really interesting to find things that I have never seen before.
I live in Lovington, NM and I found one on my bathroom sink and another one crawling up my son’s shirt sleeve today. I’m so glad that these little guys are harmless. Now I don’t have to be worried if I see one in my house again.
I just found one in my bathroom here in Thunder Bay Canada … from the other comments it seems they like bathrooms. Ty for the info… don’t have to worry
Just found one in my bed and was freaking out bc it had pinchers and well I hate bugs! I looked up bed bugs and than thought it was some sort of spider… Your website helped a lot. I won’t be scared to sleep in my bed after I wash the sheets lol
Found these twice in my bathroom also. Once a few months ago and one more just today. Thank GOD they are harmless because I was really starting to freak out. I live in Michigan
Found one in kitchen and bathroom two they seem to be popular every were got to love them they are are part of the food chain . Lol Bathurst new brunswick
NW. Arizona,,, noticed a large house fly in the window,, that was struggling, then noticed one of these insects,holding on to the flies wing with one pincher, and to the flies body with the other claw,. The fly was at least 10 times it’s size, and it had the upper hand on the fly, until I killed them both,,,,,,
Now that I know that its harmless to humans,,,, I’ll feel sorry for it the next time I kill one. Thanks for the info. Mark
NW. Arizona,,, noticed a large house fly in the window,, that was struggling, then noticed one of these insects,holding on to the flies wing with one pincher, and to the flies body with the other claw,. The fly was at least 10 times it’s size, and it had the upper hand on the fly, until I killed them both,,,,,,
Now that I know that its harmless to humans,,,, I’ll feel sorry for it the next time I kill one. Thanks for the info. Mark
Found one in the kitchen on the counter. Thought at first it was a tick but the pinchers didn’t make sense. Tried looking it up as crab like and nothing came up. Showed picture of it to co-worker and they figured it out. Feel bad killing it now. Now that I know they are good I will leave them be. Live in Torrington CT.
Hi I am fascinated by these pseudoscorpions. I have been looking for them and cannot find any. any tips to catch/find them.
How very cool ! I have often wondered what this bug was !
Can you tell me does it eat fabric , like a moth ?
The pseudo scorpion DOES BITE! I had one in the band of my sock and upon me moving the sock I WAS bitten ( felt like a sting)
I was bit too! All over my back while sleeping it make me feel sick I found him smashed after inspecting I know that’s what was biting/ stinging me!
Mankato, MN
Found one crawling on my bedroom ceiling. This was the first website with any commonality in the bug my fiancé squished. The pinchers are fierce!
Mankato, MN
Found one crawling on my bedroom ceiling. This was the first website with any commonality in the bug my fiancé squished. The pinchers are fierce!
Me and my wife found 1 of these bugs in our bathroom and we never seen a bug like this before and have never seen a pubic crab before either, and thought thats what it was, so freaked out so we took a pic of the little guy and did some research and are very happy to say it wasnt a pubic crap lol. It was 1 of these lil psuedoscorpion
Found one in the Northwest Territories in Canada ??
NW Ohio checking in, found crawling on the wall near the bathroom sink. Glad to know they don’t bite humans, but now wonder where his prey is! Will be releasing him outside, after I show the family.
Thank you for this web site. I found one in the bathroom last evening. First one I’ve ever seen. My first thought was that it was a crab louse (!) With a magnifying glass I had a better look at it. A miniature crab indeed. I freaked a little, began to itch and took a soapy shower. I have him (?) captive in a tiny ziplock bag. I won’t worry so much now. Interesting to see where all these creatures live.
You should release the little predator outdoors, though almost every Pseudoscorpion on our site was found indoors. They have adapted well to cohabitating with people.
I wish I had not been so eager to kill this little harmless to us but not to other peskier bugs! It looked so lethal I feeaked
I live in Georgia and it has been very hot and humid this summer so I’ve seen an over abundance of bugs. I found this tiny red scorpion like bug crawling up the side of my bed. I freaked out and killed it but after looking it up and finding out on your website that it is harmless to humans but lethal to other bugs I wish I had just relocated it to my floor corner…
Next time you will know.
Found several in my bathtub this morning I hit the ceiling thinking I had crabs!!!! So glad this page is here to help inform people because I was going to beat the life out of my husband.
Ok Bugman, Please clarify for me if the pseudo scorpion is capable of either biting or stinging a human and can you do so definitively? I am referring to the following specific post from this thread:
Jamie says:
July 21, 2017 at 1:07 pm
The pseudo scorpion DOES BITE! I had one in the band of my sock and upon me moving the sock I WAS bitten ( felt like a sting)
Pseudoscorpions lack a stinger, so they cannot sting. Pseudoscorpions are predators and they have a mouth to eat small creatures, so they can bite. The bite, if it occurs, would not be dangerous to a person.
Ok Bugman, Please clarify for me if the pseudo scorpion is capable of either biting or stinging a human and can you do so definitively? I am referring to the following specific post from this thread:
Jamie says:
July 21, 2017 at 1:07 pm
The pseudo scorpion DOES BITE! I had one in the band of my sock and upon me moving the sock I WAS bitten ( felt like a sting)
Oh my god found 2 now in the bathroom. Extremely itchy right now. If they get on your clothes will they fall of?
Found one in my bathtub just today! New town Nd where the weather is barely warming up each day and the ice is melting in our lakes. The whole 42 years of my life we’ve never encountered this bug species! Neat!
Found one in on my shirt this evening in Nova Scotia. Thanks for all the info. everyone. Quite a brave little guy. Got very defensive and raised his pincers when I removed him. If he freaked me out, I can only imagine what I looked like to him! 🙂
I found this bug on my school room.
I asked my teacher about this bug but they did not reply me anything.
Then I thought to research about it. And too I got it
I found this bug on my school room.
I asked my teacher about this bug but they did not reply me anything.
Then I thought to research about it. And too I got it
“The antenna are long and curve more than the photo suggest.”
The ‘antenna’ you speak of are actually claws like on a crab or a scorpion – hence the name pseudoscorpion. You’re very lucky to see one and also very lucky to have them around as they are great predators of pests like bedbugs and clothes moths. Apparently they’ve been around virtually unchanged for over 380 million years! I consider them friends!
Amazing.I live 30 miles east of Cincinnati Ohio on the edge of Appalachia. I have a nightstand by my bed and am setting here watching youtube videos. Here comes this tiny I mean tiny spider looking thing with one long claw and one short. No bigger than a flea. Yes that’s a good size comparison. I grabbed my magnifying glass and was amazed at the vicious looking I dont know what. Thinking wow I wonder how many of these has been all over me when sleeping. Ugh. It was cartoonish how the tiny body with one huge claw slash pincher being held way up in the air while smaller claw kinda dragging behind. Anyway life is an adventure and I love it.
Found at least 2 in MO, USA, while emptying a box of old mail and misc. papers. Now I’m being careful not to squish any of them, and finding safe places to put them, as I do, like the corner of the bathroom or under a cabinet at the baseboards, LOL! There was apparently a breeding ground for them in this big old box!
I LIVE IN REDMOND OR. AND HAD A PSEUDOSORPION IN THE BATHROOM, AMAZING LITTLE THING.