Austrochernes dewae explained

Austrochernes dewae is a species of pseudoscorpion in the Chernetidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1967 by Austrian arachnologist Max Beier.^[1]

Description

Body lengths of males are 2.34–2.81 mm; those of females 2.51–3.05 mm. The colour of the pedipalps and carapace is deep reddish-brown, the abdomen and legs light yellowish-brown.

Distribution and habitat

The species has been recorded from various sites across Australia from the nests of hollow-nesting birds. The type locality is Brewarrina in northern New South Wales, where the holotype was found in a galah’s nest. The species has also been recorded from the nests of a sulphur-crested cockatoo in Far North Queensland, and in the nests of Carnaby's black cockatoos and a rufous treecreeper in south-west Western Australia.^{[1] [2]}

Behaviour

The pseudoscorpions are terrestrial predators.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Species Austrochernes dewae (Beier, 1967) . . 2023-10-09. Australian Faunal Directory . Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia . 2023-11-07.
2. Harvey. MS . Volschenk . ES . 2007 . A review of some Australasian Chernetidae: Sundochernes, Troglochernes and a new genus (Pseudoscorpiones). Journal of Arachnology . 35 . 238–277 [249]. 2023-11-07 .