Are scorpions invading New York?! Not quite. House pseudoscorpions (Chelifer cancroides) are about the size of a tick and harmless to people. They feed on lice, mites, various larvae, and other undesirable creatures found in the home. This one, photographed on a leaf, was found on a bathroom floor recently in Jamestown. Those pincers can be used for hitchhiking on something like a fly in order to move around quickly and easily.
In case you’re wondering – this is how tiny these guys are. Sometimes you have to look very closely to fully appreciate the diversity of life around us!
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Photos © Twan Leenders
