Biotic interactions rather than habitat complexity predict the occurrence of bark-dwelling social pseudoscorpions in urban environments

Abstract The process of urbanization creates an environment that differs from natural habitats, resulting in changes in both habitats and biological interactions. This study assessed the ecological aspects of social pseudoscorpions associated with trees in urban environments. Specimens and habitat-descriptor variables were sampled on 50 trees distributed in a highly urbanized environment in Northeastern Brazil, resulting in a total of 690 arthropod individuals, including 132 pseudoscorpions belonging to the species Paratemnoides nidificator ( n = 130) and Parachernes melanopygus ( n = 2). The results indicated that the probability of encountering arboreal pseudoscorpions was not influenced by tree diameter, nor did the animals exhibit a preference for specific height strata, as they were found at heights ranging from 10 to 180 cm above the ground. However, the abundance of ants significantly reduced the probability of finding arboreal pseudoscorpions. Consistent with expectations for natural environments, our findings demonstrate that biotic interactions, such as the presence of potential predators play a significant role in shaping the occurrence of P. nidificator in urban settings.