News Animals

The first known scorpion to live with ants carries mini hitchhikers

Pseudoscorpions may use the scorpion’s relationship with ants to their advantage

A photograph of a pseudoscorpion (Nannowithius wahrmani) hitching a ride on the back of a scorpion (Birulatus israelensis).

A pseudoscorpion (Nannowithius wahrmani) hitches a ride on the back of a scorpion (Birulatus israelensis), possibly to infiltrate and feed on other tiny animals within ant nests.

S. Aharon

By Jake Buehler

- More than 2 years ago

In the middle of an April night in Israel’s Jordan Valley, Yoram Zvik sweeps a UV light over the dark ground near throngs of marching ants.