Synsphyronus PSE091 dorsal view

Synsphyronus `PSE091 7/3 short`

Pseudoscorpions are small arachnids that resemble scorpions with their grasping pincers (pedipalps). However, they lack the distinctive stinging tail of scorpions, and instead have a pear-shaped body. The full species diversity of pseudoscorpions is unknown, and the Western Australian Museum is a major contributor to describing species and resolving relationships in this poorly understood group.

Morphology

This small pseudoscorpion (ca. 2.5-3.0 mm in length) differs from other species of the genus by the combined presence of fused metatarsi and tarsi, a constricted anterior eye and a trichobothrial pattern of 7 on the fixed finger and 1 on the movable finger.

Evolution

The genus Synsphyronus is the most diverse genus of Garypidae, with approximately 30 named species in Australia, and two named species in New Zealand. A new species has been found in New Caledonia, and there are numerous undescribed species in Australia.

Method of reproduction

Sexual

Habitat

Terrestrial

Found under hard spinifex on calcrete.

Distribution

This species is known from just two specimens, found on Mt Webber, in the Pilbara region, WA.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Pseudoscorpiones
Suborder: Iocheirata
Infraorder: Panctenata
Superfamily: Garypoidea
Family: Garypidae
Genus: Synsphyronus
Species: `PSE091, 7/3 short`
Rank: species
Commercial Impact: 

None

Conservation Assessment: Least Concern

Net Conservation Benefits Fund

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Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/synsphyronus-pse091-73-short
Accessed 14 Aug 2024

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