Rare Pseudoscorpion in Dominican Amber

Description: This amber piece displays a fine pseudoscorpion. Pseudoscorpions are a group of small arachnids that look like tiny scorpions but lack the scorpion's long tail and sting. As a consequence, they subdue their prey only with their pincers, or pedipalps. Pseudoscorpions occur worldwide in leaf litter and soil, and under rocks and logs. Some are phoretic-that is, they hitchhike on other arthropods, such as beetles and flies. Some fossil pseudoscorpions have even been found displaying just such behavior. Some species live in special association with other arthropods, such as large beetles or ant colonies. About 2000 species of pseudoscorpions are known worldwide.