6533b838fe1ef96bd12a3a07
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Redescription of the rare European harvestman Dicranopalpus brevipes Marcellino, 1970, based on first records from Sardinia (Arachnida: Opiliones)
Salvatore CanuJochen MartensHay Wijnhovensubject
Sexual dimorphismbiologyPhenologyInsect ScienceZoologyOpilionesDicranopalpusbiology.organism_classificationDeserts and xeric shrublandsNeotenyEcology Evolution Behavior and Systematicsdescription
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, distribution and systematic position is given.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-03-30 | Arachnology |