Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2008. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Neobisium muscorum - a false scorpion - Family: Neobisiidae

Neobisium muscorum - a false scorpionNeobisium muscorum - a false scorpion
© Roger Key/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

A reddish brown false scorpion, resembling a tiny true scorpion but lacking the sting, this species lives in damp places, such as moss, leaf litter and rotting timber. It is often found in compost heaps after the hot fermentation has finished.

The species colonises new places by grasping the bodies of flying insects and hitching a ride!

Food

Predatory, eating a range of very small invertebrates, especially mites and springtails.

Predators

Red velvet mite

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