First record of phoresy of Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch, 1873) (Pseudoscorpiones, Chernetidae) on Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) and their potential value as bioindicators

Abstract

The first evidence of phoresy of Dendrochernes cyrneus (L. Koch, 1873) on Cerambyx cerdo Linnaeus, 1758 is documented. A critical review of all known literature reports of phoresy involving D. cyrneus is also presented. Two of these reports relate to the same observation and are the result of the systematic turmoil within the family Cerambycidae. Both species are treated as primeval forest relics and their isolated populations live in the scattered remains of the ancient forests that covered Europe in the past. We provide new information about the ecological relationships of D. cyrneus with saproxylic beetles, and discuss the ecological preferences of the two species and their role as indicators of the quality of the environment.