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]
| Parobisium yosemite | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Pseudoscorpiones |
| Family: | Neobisiidae |
| Genus: | Parobisium |
| Species: | P. yosemite
|
| Binomial name | |
| Parobisium yosemite Cokendolpher & Krejca, 2010
| |
Distribution
editThe 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 one the 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
editLike 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
editP. 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
editThe species' namesake is Yosemite National Park.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Parobisium yosemite". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Phil Chapman (1982). "The Origins of Troglobites" (PDF). Proceedings of the University of Bristol Spelæological Society. 16 (2): 133–141.
External links
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