Parobisium yosemite, or the Yosemite cave pseudoscorpion, is a species of pseudoscorpion in the family Neobisiidae.[1] A troglobite, the pseudoscorpion inhabits talus caves, formed by voids between boulders, in Yosemite National Park.[2]

Distribution

The species is endemic to granite talus caves in Yosemite National Park in California, United States.[3] The type specimens were found in two caves less than 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) within a single scree. As the talus caves it inhabits are likely only a few hundred years old, it is thought that the pseudoscorpions migrate between different talus slopes and caves.

Description

Like other troglofauna,[4] P. yosemite is blind with absent posterior eyes and a lack of a tapetum lucidum, and displays unusual pigmentation.[2] The pseudoscorpion is potentially the first North American troglobite documented in a talus cave.[3]

Ecology

P. yosemite has been observed preying on Sinella springtails. It may also potentially prey on other invertebrates in its cave environment, including mites, spiders, beetles and ants.[2]

Etymology

The species' namesake is Yosemite National Park.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Parobisium yosemite". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
  2. ^ a b c d "Pseudoscorpion: Unique to Yosemite – Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. U.S National Park Service. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b Cokendolpher, James C.; Krejca, Jean K. (30 September 2010). "A new cavernicolous Parobisium Chamberlin 1930 (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae) from Yosemite National Park, U.S.A". KIP Articles. Occasional papers. Museum of Texas Tech University. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.156953. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  4. ^ Phil Chapman (1982). "The Origins of Troglobites" (PDF). Proceedings of the University of Bristol Spelæological Society. 16 (2): 133–141.


Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parobisium_yosemite
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