Pseudoscorpions in field margins: Effects of margin age, management and boundary habitats

Pseudoscorpions (Chthonius ischnocheles (Hermann) and C. orthodactylus (Lea ch) sensu strictus) were collected using a D-Vac over two-years from 60 fie ld margins at Oxford University farm at Wytham, U.K. Old and new grassland margins were subjected to six different treatments involving spraying, non- intervention and four different cutting intensities. Significantly more pse udoscorpions were found in old compared to new margins, suggesting they may be attracted to litter build-up over time. Pseudoscorpion numbers were red uced on treatments subjected to two cuts annually, particularly when a summ er cut was included, although this effect was ameliorated when the cuttings were left. However, pseudoscorpions were most numerous on treatments which involved no management because of the increase in leaf Litter which may re plicate a woodland environment. Adjacent hedges appear to buffer the effect s of management: margins with adjacent hedges (rather than ditches or track s) having more individuals. In contrast to results for other invertebrate g roups, sowing wildflower seed did not significantly increase the abundance of pseudoscorpions. The effect of different treatments on pseudoscorpion nu mbers demonstrates that they are useful indicators of the effects of manage ment practice.