Pseudoscorpions, also known as the false scorpion or book scorpion, are arachnids in the order Pseudoscorpiones, also known as Pseudoscorpionida or Chelonethida. Though visually similar to, and also in the same arachnid class as, scorpions, they are not true scorpions. Their name derives from the fact that they heavily resemble scorpions, being "pseudo (not genuine) scorpions"

Pseudoscorpions are small arachnids with a flat, pear-shaped bodies, and scorpion-like pincers. Their abdomens, unlike scorpion's, are rounded at the end. True scorpion abdomens extend into segmented tails ending in stingers instead.

Pseudoscorpions are often seen as beneficial to humans, as they are quite small and generally unobtrusive. They also heavily hunt on prey that tend to be general pests, including moth larva, ants, mites, flies, etc. They are also well known for performing phoresy, a form of symbiosis known as commensalism in which one is benefited while the other faces no benefits or consequences, in which they grab onto other organisms as a form of transportation.

See also

• arthropod
• arachnid
• pseudoscorpion