PENIS MORPHOLOGY IN ONCOPODIDAE (OPILIONES, LANIATORES): EVOLUTIONARY TRENDS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract An interim report on our ongoing revisional study is given together with a short summary of the current knowledge on the systematics and distribution of the family Oncopodidae (Opiliones, Laniatores). An exceptionally high diversity in male genitalia is shown and its possible evolution is discussed. Four major penis types are distinguished in the Oncopodidae and compared with similar forms in other laniatorean families.