Pseudoscorpion

Chelifer, commonly known as the pseudoscorpion, belongs to the order Pseudoscorpionida and the family Cheliferidae. It is vital to clarify for agricultural purposes that these organisms are not pests. They do not consume plant tissues, sap, or roots, and therefore, they are completely harmless to agricultural crops and greenhouse production.

Biologically, pseudoscorpions are beneficial predators. Their diet consists exclusively of small arthropods, such as mites, springtails, and other tiny invertebrates that might otherwise affect plant health. By preying on these organisms, they function as natural biocontrol agents within the agricultural ecosystem, contributing to the maintenance of ecological balance.

The life cycle of the pseudoscorpion includes egg, nymphal stages (protonymph, deutonymph, and tritonymph), and adult stages. Females carry their eggs in a specialized brood pouch. They develop slowly and prefer habitats with high humidity and cover, such as leaf litter, bark crevices, or soil surfaces. They rarely emerge into the open, making them inconspicuous inhabitants of the farm environment.

Regarding damage, there is no evidence that pseudoscorpions cause any form of injury to crops. They lack the mouthparts necessary to feed on plant matter. In storage facilities, their presence is often mistaken for infestation, but they are only there to hunt the actual pests like grain mites. Their presence is generally an indicator of a diverse and moist environment.

No protection measures or chemical treatments are required for pseudoscorpions as they are not pests. Instead, agronomists should recognize them as helpful allies in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

• Avoid applying broad-spectrum insecticides.
• Maintain optimal storage humidity levels.
• Encourage biodiversity in the field.