Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Hitchhiker

Posted by Tony T on 03-05-2008 16:24
#1

Seems our NA Pseudoscorpions like to hitch rides on Heleomyzids.

SEE HERE

This guy clamped to a Heleomyzid leg -2 May 08, NB Canada. Body length: 3.6mm

Posted by Alvesgaspar on 03-05-2008 16:41
#2

What about a Garypus beauvoisi (the only one in my book ;))?

Joaquim Gaspar

Posted by Susan R Walter on 03-05-2008 16:47
#3

Wow, its got little bristles on its claws!
Presumably the prediliction for Heleomyzids is that their habits mean they are in the right place at the right time. The pseudoscorpion probably doesn't care - this family of flies shares his space, so he takes the opportunity.

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 03-05-2008 21:09
#4

I had seen dozens of pseudoscorpions too. They are very cryptic. Even if you turn over the stone and in spite of they are on stone, sometimes you overlooked them! :|
They do phoresy to spread better their population - I think.

I know the European expert which is my friend too. :) I can ask him for possibilites in this one.

Posted by Tony T on 03-05-2008 22:57
#5

Thanks guys and gal. ID not critical, supposedly 350+ spp. in NA:o

I thought the claws at the end of the pediplaps were small but compared to
the claws on the chelicerae they are huge.
The chelicerae are 2-segmented pincers at the anterior end of the
cephalothorax (tip of the snout between the bases of the pediplaps in the
large image) consisting of a stout base with a sharp claw and an outside moveable 'finger'
The moveable 'finger' has an opening from the silk gland near its tip
Besides the spinning of silk the chelicerae are used to grasp and macerate food.

PHOTO HERE

Edited by Tony T on 05-05-2008 16:32