First reported observation of phoresy of pseudoscorpions on an endemic New Zealand mammal, the lesser short-tailed bat, Mystacina tuberculata

The pseudoscorpion Apatochernes vastus Beier, 1976 (Chernetidae) is recorded for the first time on the pelage of the endemic New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat, Mystacina tuberculata. Despite previous descriptions of numerous species of pseudoscorpions throughout New Zealand, the distribution, abundance and life history strategies of pseudoscorpions is poorly known.