Austrochernes imitans explained

Austrochernes imitans is a species of pseudoscorpion in the Chernetidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1969 by Austrian arachnologist Max Beier.^[1]

Description

The body length of males is 3.23–4.50 mm; that of females is 3.94–4.74 mm. The colour of the pedipalps and carapace is dark reddish-brown, legs red-brown, and abdomen pale yellow-brown. Eyes are absent.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs on the Nullarbor Plain and Hampton bioregions, in south-east Western Australia. The type locality is Dingo Cave, where pseudoscorpions were found on guano and decaying vegetation in the dark zone.^{[1] [2]}

Behaviour

The pseudoscorpions are cave-dwelling, terrestrial predators.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Species Austrochernes imitans (Beier, 1969) . . 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 [243]. 2023-11-07 .