Family PSEUDOCHIRIDIIDAE Chamberlin, 1923

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Introduction

Pseudochiridiids are small pseudoscorpions found in leaf litter or under the bark of trees. The Pseudochiridiidae has usually been considered a subfamily of the Cheiridiidae, but Muchmore (1982) reinstated it to full familial status. Two genera and 12 species are currently recognised (Harvey 1991). Paracheiridium is restricted to Madagascar, while Pseudochiridium is more widespread, and includes a single species from Christmas Island (Indian Ocean).

Diagnosis

Pseudochiridiids differ from all other garypoids by the presence of posteriorly expanded coxae and chevron-shaped tergites.

General References

Harvey, M.S. 1991. Catalogue of the Pseudoscorpionida. Manchester : Manchester University Press.

Muchmore, W.B. 1982. Pseudoscorpionida. pp. 96-102 in Parker, S.P. (ed.). Synopsis and Classification of Living Organisms. New York : McGraw-Hill Vol. 2.

History of changes