Nannowithius wahrmani phoretic on a Birulatus israelensis. Credit: S. Aharon
Recent research study carried out by Yoram Zvik,Dr Sharon Warburg, andDr Efrat Gavish-Regev at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s National Natural History Collections, has actually recorded the first-ever observation of phoresy in between a myrmecophile pseudoscorpion and a myrmecophile scorpion.
Phoresy, a reputable phenomenon amongst pseudoscorpions, includes their accessory to hosts for dispersal into brand-new environments. Documented circumstances of phoresy consist of pseudoscorpions connecting themselves to numerous hosts, varying from mammals and birds to various pest orders and even other arachnids.
The primary research study location in the northern part of the Jordan valley, where Birulatus israelensis and Nannowithius wahrmani were discovered. Credit: Y. Zvik
The research study concentrated on pseudoscorpions coming from an endemic Withiidae < period class ="glossaryLink" aria-describedby ="tt" data-cmtooltip ="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>species</div><div class=glossaryItemBody>A species is a group of living organisms that share a set of common characteristics and are able to breed and produce fertile offspring. The concept of a species is important in biology as it is used to classify and organize the diversity of life. There are different ways to define a species, but the most widely accepted one is the biological species concept, which defines a species as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce viable offspring in nature. This definition is widely used in evolutionary biology and ecology to identify and classify living organisms.</div>" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex ="0" function ="link" > types,Nannowithius wahrmani observed clinging themselves onto the endemic scorpion typesBirulatus israelensis inIsrael
The(******************************************************************************************************************** )household, including37 genera and170 types, has an international circulation, with a substantial existence in tropical and sub-tropical areas.Species within the genusNannowithius, show myrmecophilic propensities, forming cooperative associations with ant nests.
Pseudoscorpions andScorpions inSymbiosis
The research study concentrates on theNannowithius pseudoscorpions observed on theBirulatus scorpion inIsrael, marking the very first taped circumstances of pseudoscorpions participating in phoresy on a scorpion host.
Nannowithius wahrmani phoretic on aBirulatus israelensis.Credit: Y.Zvik
(****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** )part of his MSc research study at theHebrewUniversity ofJerusalem, at the lab ofDrGavish-Regev andProfDrorHawlena,Yoram(***************************************************************************************************************** )now a PhD trainee at the lab ofProf Eran Gefen, University of Haifa, carried out a comprehensive seven-year research study, including field studies, nest tracking, and observations in the eastern part ofIsrael Over a thousand observations of Birulatus israelensis were recorded, with just 2 observations of the pseudoscorpions types Nannowithius wahrmani on the scorpion’s back throughout particular dates in late spring.
The co-evolution of this phoretic habits recommends an efficient dispersal system, possibly activated by the high foraging activity of the Messor ants throughout late spring. The research study raises appealing concerns about the hints for dispersion, the coevolutionary relationship in between the pseudoscorpions and scorpions, and the prospective advantages of this cooperative interaction.
Nannowithius wahrmani. Credit: S. Warburg
This groundbreaking observation not just broadens our understanding of arachnid habits however likewise opens opportunities for future research study into the detailed world of cooperative relationships within the ant nest environment. The discovery triggers more expedition of the complex cooperative interactions within ant nest environments, consisting of how pseudoscorpions avoid ants, their alternative hosts, and the hints for both pseudoscorpions and scorpions to distribute.
Reference: “Hitching a ride on a scorpion: the first record of phoresy of a myrmecophile pseudoscorpion on a myrmecophile scorpion” by Sharon Warburg, Yoram Zvik and Efrat Gavish-Regev, 29 December 2023, Arachnologische Mitteilungen Arachnology Letters
DOI: 10.30963/ aramit6605
