Search results for "Dicranopalpus"
showing 2 items of 2 documents
An Enigmatic European Harvestman (Opiliones): New Record and Redescription of Dicranopalpus larvatus (Canestrini, 1874)
2019
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.
Redescription of the rare European harvestman Dicranopalpus brevipes Marcellino, 1970, based on first records from Sardinia (Arachnida: Opiliones)
2020
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…