Tooth Cave Pseudoscorpion (Tartarocreagris
texana)
- Texas Status
- Endangered
- U.S. Status
- Endangered, Listed 9/16/1988
- Description
- The Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion looks like a tiny, tailless scorpion without eyes. It is about 3/16 inch (4 millimeters) in length.
- Habitat
- Pseudoscorpions use their pinchers to catch the small invertebrates they prey on. Usually found under rocks, this species is quite rare and little is known of its habits. Their reproduction patterns and population numbers are unknown.
- Distribution
- This pseudoscorpion is found in the Edwards Plateau, Travis County, Texas.
- Other
- The primary threat to the Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion and other endangered cave invertebrates is the loss of habitat due to urban development. Many caves have been paved over or filled in. Other caves have been altered so that they no longer provide the stable temperatures and high humidity needed to support these animals. Contamination by pollutants is also a threat to their survival.
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