0000000000862837
AUTHOR
Hay Wijnhoven
Redescription of the rare European harvestman Dicranopalpus brevipes Marcellino, 1970, based on first records from Sardinia (Arachnida: Opiliones)
New records of the small, enigmatic harvestman Dicranopalpus brevipes are presented, the male is redescribed and the female is described for the first time. The species originates from Sicily, while the novel findings are from Sardinia, where it may have been introduced by man. Paedomorphic modifications such as reduced sexual dimorphism in colouration and pedipalpal morphology, regression of genital structures and shortening of the legs, appear to result from its ground-dwelling habits induced by xeric climatic conditions. Avoiding the dry and hot season, D. brevipes matures in autumn and winter and has completed its lifecycle in April. Additional information on phenology, ecology, distrib…
An Enigmatic European Harvestman (Opiliones): New Record and Redescription of Dicranopalpus larvatus (Canestrini, 1874)
Dicranopalpus larvatus is redescribed based on type material. Recent first findings of this rare species on Sardinia enable to provide the essential morphological characters. Original drawings are presented with emphasis on penial and pedipalpal morphology. Dicranopalpus larvatus is a small, short-legged, ground-dwelling species endemic to Italy that matures in autumn and winter and has completed its life cycle in April. Additional information on phenology, life cycle, ecology, distribution and systematic position is given.
The evolution of pedipalps and glandular hairs as predatory devices in harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones)
Pedipalps are the most versatile appendages of arachnids. They can be equipped with spines (Amblypygi), chelae (Scorpiones), or adhesive pads (Solifugae), all of which are modifications to grasp and handle fast-moving prey. Harvestmen (Opiliones) show a high diversity of pedipalpal morphologies. Some are obviously related to prey capture, like the enlargement and heavy spination of Laniatores pedipalps. Many Dyspnoi, by contrast, exhibit thin, thread-like pedipalps that are covered with complex glandular setae (clavate setae). These extrude viscoelastic glue that is used to immobilize prey items. Comparable setae (plumose setae) have previously been found in representatives of both Eupnoi a…
An unidentified harvestman Leiobunum sp. alarmingly invading Europe (Arachnida: Opiliones)
Etwa seit dem Jahr 2000 breitet sich eine bisher nicht identifizierte Art der Gattung Leiobunum C. L. Koch, 1839 schnell in Mitteleuropa aus. Nachweise ab dem Jahr 2004 sind aus den Niederlanden (wahrscheinlich dem Land des ersten Auftretens in Europa), Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz bekannt. Die wahrscheinlich eingeschleppte Art besiedelt bisher lediglich Wände von Gebäuden und seltener felsähnliche Biotope in Wäldern. Adulte Individuen ruhen tagsüber selten einzeln oder in eng geklumpten Gruppen aus Dutzenden bis Hunderten von Individuen an leicht abgedunkelten Stellen in Mauerwinkeln, an glatten Hauswänden und überhängenden Dachtraufen. Jungtiere leben am Boden. Diese Art verfüg…