Pseudoscorpions of the World

Last updated: 19 January 2009

Version 1.2, 2009

History

 

The Pseudogarypinae were first recognized by Chamberlin (1923) who removed the genus Pseudogarypus from the family Garypidae, where it had previously been placed. Chamberlin (1923) proposed a close relationship with the Feaellinae, which he later recognized as a distinct family (Chamberlin 1929). These two taxa have generally been considered each other’s closest relatives, although Muchmore (1982) suggested that the Pseudogarypidae were more similar to Garypidae and its relatives, whilst the Feaellidae were retained in the Feaelloidea which was placed within the Monosphyronida. Harvey (1992) demonstrated that pseudogarypids and feaellids were sister taxa, which were referred to the Feaelloidea.

 

Composition

 

The family Pseudogarypidae includes two genera, Pseudogarypus with several extant species in North America and several Baltic Amber (Eocene) species from Europe, and Neopseudogarypus from Tasmania.

 

Distribution

 

Pseudogarypids display a highly disjunct distribution with Pseudogarypus found in the Northern Hemisphere (extant species in North America, and Eocene species from Europe) and Neopseudogarypus found in northern Tasmania. They usually occur under rocks, but are occasionally found under the bark of rotting stumps, or in caves.

 

Important references

 

Benedict, E.M. and Malcolm, D.R. (1978). The family Pseudogarypidae (Pseudoscorpionida) in North America with comments on the genus Neopseudogarypus Morris from Tasmania. Journal of Arachnology 6: 81-104.

 

Morris, J.C.H. (1948). A new genus of pseudogarypin pseudoscorpions possessing pleural plates. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 1947: 43-47.

 

Muchmore, W.B. (1981). Cavernicolous species of Larca, Archeolarca and Pseudogarypus with notes on the genera, (Pseudoscorpionida, Garypidae and Pseudogarypidae). Journal of Arachnology 9: 47-60.

Family Pseudogarypidae Chamberlin 1923