What is the difference between pseudoscorpions and real scorpions

They are so small they usually go unnoticed. They also spend most of their lives under mulch, leaf litter, stones and tree bark and other places where they will be hard to see.

When they are noticed is when they accidentally invade homes and wander into sight. Then they attract attention because of their large pincers called pedipalps on the front of the body that creates the resemblance to the true scorpions. Unlike scorpions, pseudoscorpions have no sting on the end of their flat, oval abdomens. Pseudoscorpions are not harmful. They cannot bite or sting and they do not attack the house structure, furniture or occupants.

Natural habitats for pseudoscorpions include under leaf litter and mulch, in moss, under stones and beneath tree bark. They have also been reported in bird nests and between siding boards of buildings. Scorpions commonly use gaps under doors; ground-level windows; gaps surrounding plumbing pipes and utility lines that enter the home; and cracks and gaps in the foundation to get inside a home or business. Scorpions also gain access by hitchhiking inside in boxes, firewood, potted plants and outdoor furniture.

Scorpions are common in newer homes especially in homes built on the outskirts of busy metropolitan areas. Scorpions can live up to 15 years but generally live three to six years in the wild. Scorpions do not gather in large groups or nest together. They prefer to stay under rocks and inside holes by themselves.

Table of Contents. The abdomens of pseudoscorpions also are made up of 12 segments, but their abdomens are proportionally wider and are rounded, with no tails or stingers. Psuedoscorpions live primarily in the tropics of the world, although several dozen species are found in the temperate United States.

Most inhabit outdoor habitats where they can hunt for smaller insects and arthropods such as flies, beetle larvae, caterpillars and ants. Common habitats include birds' nests and leaf litter. Many scorpions inhabit similar areas, except most prefer desert areas such as flats, dunes and desert mountains. With a professional background in gardening, landscapes, pests and natural ecosystems, Jasey Kelly has been sharing her knowledge through writing since and has served as an expert writer in these fields.

Kelly's background also includes childcare, and animal rescue and care. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use.