Synsphyronus `PSE069`
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 species (ca. 4 mm) has the metatarsi and tarsi of the legs not fused, has thin pedipalps, the anterior eyes are not constricted, and it has a trichobothrial pattern of 8/3. It differs from other similar species by the size and ratios of the pedipalpal segments.
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
The specimens were found in leaf litter.
Distribution
This species is known from four specimens, from two sites approximately 80km apart.
Kingdom: | Animalia |
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Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Arachnida |
Order: | Pseudoscorpiones |
Suborder: | Iocheirata |
Infraorder: | Panctenata |
Superfamily: | Garypoidea |
Family: | Garypidae |
Genus: | Synsphyronus |
Species: | `PSE069` |
Rank: | species |
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Commercial Impact: | None |
Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Phylogenetic Tree:
![Phylogenetic tree of <i>Synsphyronus</i> Phylogenetic tree](https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/waminals/phylo_images/syns_6.jpg?itok=ZZrvAd3W)
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/synsphyronus-pse069
Accessed 17 Aug 2024
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