External Morphological Properties of Atemnus politus (Simon, 1878) (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones): A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Pseuodoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones) have been little studied, although they are the third largest group in the Arachnida in number of species. Pseudoscorpions have features resembling those of true scorpions. Due to their small size (the largest pseudoscorpion being no larger than 1 cm) systematic studies have proven difficult. A high-performance microscope is necessary for detailed studies. In the present study, the pseudoscorpion Atemnus politus (Simon, 1878) collected in Osmaniye province, Turkey, was used to describe systematic and taxonomic characters, including chelicerae, pedipalps, walking legs, and cuticular structures on appendages using stereo light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study revealed characteristic features of this species. This is the first SEM study of A. politus and provides an important contribution to understanding the morphology of pseudoscorpions and demonstrates the taxonomic value of SEM micrographs. Probable functions of some of the structures observed are discussed.