New systematic assignments in Gonyleptoidea (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores)

As part of an ongoing revision of the family Gonyleptidae, we have identified many species that are synonyms of previously described species or misplaced in this family. This article summarizes these findings, adding previously unavailable information or correcting imprecise observations to justify the presented taxonomic changes. The following new familial or subfamilial assignments are proposed: Nemastygnus Roewer, 1929 and Taulisa Roewer, 1956 are transferred to Agoristenidae, Agoristeninae; Napostygnus Roewer, 1929 to Cranaidae; Ceropachylinus peruvianus Roewer, 1956 and Pirunipygus Roewer, 1936 are transferred to Gonyleptidae, Ampycinae; Gyndesops Roewer, 1943, Haversia Roewer, 1913 and Oxapampeus Roewer, 1963 are transferred to Gonyleptidae, Pachylinae. The following generic synonymies are proposed for the family Gonyleptidae: Acanthogonyleptes Mello-Leitão, 1922 = Centroleptes Roewer, 1943; Acrographinotus Roewer, 1929 = Unduavius Roewer, 1929; Gonyleptes Kirby, 1819 = Collonychium Bertkau, 1880; Mischonyx Bertkau, 1880 = Eugonyleptes Roewer, 1913 and Gonazula Roewer, 1930; Parampheres Roewer, 1913 = Metapachyloides Roewer, 1917; Pseudopucrolia Roewer, 1912 = Meteusarcus Roewer, 1913; Haversia Roewer, 1913 = Hoggellula Roewer, 1930. The following specific synonymies are proposed for the family Gonyleptidae: Acanthogonyleptes singularis (Mello-Leitão, 1935) = Centroleptes flavus Roewer, 1943, syn. n.; Geraeocormobius sylvarum Holmberg, 1887 = Discocyrtus serrifemur Roewer, 1943, syn. n.; Gonyleptellus bimaculatus (Sørensen, 1884) = Gonyleptes cancellatus Roewer,1917, syn. n.; Gonyleptes atrus Mello-Leitão, 1923 = Weyhia brieni Giltay, 1928, syn. n.; Gonyleptes fragilis Mello-Leitão, 1923 = Gonyleptes banana Kury, 2003, syn. n.; Gonyleptes horridus Kirby, 1819 = Collonychium bicuspidatum Bertkau, 1880, syn. n., Gonyleptes borgmeyeri Mello-Leitão, 1932, syn. n., Gonyleptes curvicornis Mello-Leitão, 1932, syn. n., Metagonyleptes hamatus Roewer, 1913, syn. n. and Paragonyleptes simoni Roewer, 1930, syn. n.; Gonyleptes pustulatus Sørensen, 1884 = Gonyleptes guttatus Roewer, 1917, syn. n.; Haversia defensa (Butler, 1876) = Sadocus vallentini Hogg, 1913, syn. n.; Liogonyleptoides minensis (Piza, 1946) = Currala bahiensis Soares, 1972, syn. n.; Megapachylus grandis Roewer, 1913 = Metapachyloides almeidai Soares & Soares, 1946, syn. n.; Mischonyx cuspidatus (Roewer, 1913) = Gonazula gibbosa Roewer, 1930 syn. n.; Mischonyx scaber (Kirby, 1819) = Xundarava holacantha Mello-Leitão, 1927, syn. n.; Parampheres tibialis Roewer, 1917 = Metapachyloides rugosus Roewer, 1917, syn. n.; Parapachyloides uncinatus (Sørensen, 1879) = Goyazella armata Mello-Leitão, 1931, syn. n.; Pseudopucrolia mutica (Perty, 1833) = Meteusarcus armatus Roewer, 1913, syn. n. The following new combinations are proposed: Acrographinotus ornatus (Roewer, 1929), comb. n. (ex Unduavius); Gonyleptellus bimaculatus (Sørensen, 1884),comb. n. (ex Gonyleptes);Gonyleptes perlatus (Mello-Leitão, 1935), comb. n. (exMoojenia);Mischonyx scaber (Kirby, 1819), comb. n. (ex Gonyleptes); and Neopachyloides peruvianus (Roewer, 1956), comb. n. (ex Ceropachylus). The following species of Gonyleptidae, Gonyleptinae are revalidated: Gonyleptes atrus Mello-Leitão, 1923 and Gonyleptes curvicornis (Roewer, 1913).     

A multilocus approach to harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones) phylogeny with emphasis on biogeography and the systematics of Laniatores

The internal phylogeny of the arachnid order Opiliones is investigated by including molecular data from five molecular markers for ca. 140 species totalling 43 families of Opiliones. The phylogenetic analyses consisted of a direct optimization (DO) approach using POY v. 4 and sophisticated tree search algorithms as well as a static alignment analysed under maximum likelihood. The four Opiliones suborders were well‐supported clades, but subordinal relationships did not receive support in the DO analysis, with the exception of the monophyly of Palpatores (=Eupnoi + Dyspnoi). Maximum‐likelihood analysis strongly supported the traditional relationship of Phalangida and Palpatores: (Cyphophthalmi ((Eupnoi + Dyspnoi) Laniatores)). Relationships within each suborder are well resolved and largely congruent between direct optimization and maximum‐likelihood approaches. Age estimates for the main Opiliones lineages suggest a Carboniferous diversification of Cyphophthalmi, while its sister group, Phalangida, diversified in the Early Devonian. Diversification of all suborders predates the Triassic, and most major lineages predate the Cretaceous. The following taxonomic changes are proposed. Dyspnoi: Hesperonemastoma is transferred to Sabaconidae. Insidiatores: Sclerobunidae stat. nov. is erected as a family for Zuma acuta. © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.     

Sexually dimorphic tegumental gland openings in Laniatores (Arachnida,Opiliones), with new data on 23 species

Sexually dimorphic glands often release sexual pheromones both in vertebrates and invertebrates. Species of Laniatores (Arachnida, Opiliones) seem to depend on chemical communication but few studies have addressed this topic. In this study, we review the literature for the Phalangida and present new data for 23 species of Laniatores. In 16 taxa, we found previously undescribed sexually dimorphic glandular openings on the femur, patella, metatarsus, and tarsus of legs I and metatarsus of legs III and IV. For the other species, we provide scanning electron micrographs of previously undescribed sexually dimorphic setae and pegs located on swollen regions of the legs. We also list additional species in which males have swollen regions on the legs, including the tibia, metatarsus, and tarsus of legs I, trochanter and tibia of legs II, femur, metatarsus, and tarsus of legs III, and metatarsus and tarsus of legs IV. The function and biological role of the secretions released by these glands are discussed. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Interspecific variation in the microanatomy of cosmetid harvestmen (Arachnida,Opiliones, Laniatores)

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a useful tool for identifying interspecific variation in often overlooked structures that may represent useful sources for informative phylogenetic characters. In this study, we used SEM to compare the morphology of 12 cosmetid species from Central America, the Caribbean, and North America including multiple species for the genera Cynorta, Erginulus, and Paecilaema. To determine if microanatomical structures were unique to the cosmetid taxa under examination, we investigated the microanatomical structures of six additional species of gonyleptoidean harvestmen representing the families Agoristenidae, Cranaidae, Gonyleptidae, Manaosbiidae, and Stygnidae. Our results indicate that the shape of the ocularium (narrow, intermediate, or broad) did not vary within cosmetid genera, whereas the morphology of the rough pit glands on the eye mound varied considerably between species. Each cosmetid species had 10–20 rough pit glands on the ocularium whereas only the eye mounds of Avima intermedia (Agoristenidae) and Glysterus sp. (Gonyleptidae) had similar structures. With regards to the surface texture of the dorsal scutum, cosmetid harvestmen exhibited a rivulose‐microgranulate morphology (6 species), a microtuberculate‐rivulose‐microrgranulate morphology (4 species), or a microgranulate morphology (2 species). In contrast, each of the gonyleptoidean species exhibited a microgranulate pattern, with the exception of Stygnoplus clavotibialis, which had a rivulose‐microgranulate surface texture. For cosmetid harvestmen, we observed considerable interspecific variation in the shape and number of teeth on the fixed and moveable fingers of the male chelicerae. Similarly, we also observed interspecific variation in the distribution and shape of tubercles on the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the femur of the pedipalp. Overall, our results indicate that there are several microanatomical structures associated with the ocularium, dorsal scutum, male chelicera, and pedipalp that could represent informative phylogenetic characters in future taxonomic studies of cosmetid harvestmen. J. Morphol. 275:1386–1405, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A comparative analysis of the chemical nature of defensive secretions of Gonyleptidae (Arachnida: Opiliones: Laniatores)

The arachnids of the order Opiliones (harvestmen) produce substances used in defense. In the present paper, we analyzed 22 species of Gonyleptidae to explore the use of defensive substances in taxonomy and evolutionary biology. Thirty-seven different compounds were detected, 18 of which were preliminarily identified. These compounds were mapped onto a phylogenetic tree showing the relationships within the Gonyleptidae. Data from Cosmetidae were used as an outgroup. Five ketones and six alkyl phenols were reported for the first time in harvestmen.     

Interspecific variation in ovipositor morphology among Manaosbiid and Nomoclastid Harvestmen (Arachnida,Opiliones, Laniatores)

The external anatomy of the ovipositor has generally been overlooked as a source of informative characters in systematic studies of laniatorean harvestmen. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy to examine the ovipositors of nine species representing the families Manaosbiidae (five species) and Nomoclastidae (four species). Similar to the ovipositor morphology of many gonyleptoidean families, the distal tips of the ovipositors of these harvestmen have four external lobes, with the margins most commonly adorned with 10 large peripheral setae. In manaosbiid and nomoclastid species, these peripheral setae have undivided bases, striated shafts and undivided distal tips. There are typically three setae on each anterior lobe and two setae on each posterior lobe. The medial setae on both anterior and posterior lobes insert into sockets that are slightly more dorsal. We observed small, surface denticles, usually associated with a pore, on the external surface of the lobes. There was interspecific and intraspecific variation in the number and shape of these surface denticles. The association of pores with denticles on the ovipositor appears to be a feature common to not only both families but is also a trait that has not been observed on ovipositors in other families of laniatorean harvestmen.     

Nuptial gift chemistry reveals convergent evolution correlated with antagonism in mating systems of harvestmen (Arachnida,Opiliones)

Nuptial gifts are material donations given from male to female before or during copulation and are subject to sexual selection in a wide variety of taxa. The harvestman genus Leiobunum has emerged as a model system for understanding the evolution of reproductive morphology and behavior, as transitions between solicitous and antagonistic modes of courtship have occurred multiple times within the lineage and are correlated with convergence in genital morphology. We analyzed the free amino acid content of nuptial gift secretions from five species of Leiobunum using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Multivariate analysis of the free amino acid profiles revealed that, rather than clustering based on phylogenetic relationships, nuptial gift chemical composition was better predicted by genital morphology and behavior, suggesting that convergent evolution has acted on the chemical composition of the nuptial gift. In addition, we found that, species with solicitous courtship produce gifts consisting of a 19% larger proportion of essential amino acids as compared to those with more antagonistic courtship interactions. This work represents the first comparative study of nuptial gift chemistry within a phylogenetic framework in any animal group and as such contributes to our understanding of the evolution of reproductive diversity and the participant role of nuptial gift chemistry in mating system transitions.     

Ontogenetic variation in the sensory structures on the pedipalps of cosmetid harvestmen (Arachnida,Opiliones, Laniatores)

In arachnids, pedipalps are highly variable appendages that may be used in feeding, courtship, defense, and agonistic encounters. In cosmetid harvestmen, adults have pedipalps that feature flattened femora, spoon‐shaped tibiae, and robust tarsal claws. In contrast, the pedipalps of nymphs are elongate with cylindrical podomeres and are adorned with delicate pretarsi. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy to examine the distribution of cuticular structures (e.g., sensilla chaetica, pores) on the elements of the pedipalps of adults and nymphs of three species of cosmetid harvestmen. Our results indicate that there is considerable ontogenetic variation in the morphology of the trochanter, femur, patella, tibia, and tarsus. The pretarsus of the nymph has a ventral patch of setae that is absent from the adult tarsal claw. We observed this structure on all three cosmetid species as well as on the pedipalps of an additional seven morphospecies of nymphs collected in Belize and Costa Rica. This structure may represent a previously unrecognized autapomorphy for Cosmetidae. Examinations of the pedipalps of antepenultimate nymphs of additional gonyleptoidean harvestmen representing the families Ampycidae, Cranaidae, Manaosbiidae, and Stygnidae revealed the occurrence of unusual, plumose tarsal setae, but no setal patches on the tarsal claw.     

Integrative Taxonomy and Species Delimitation in Harvestmen: A Revision of the Western North American Genus Sclerobunus (Opiliones: Laniatores: Travunioidea)

Alpha taxonomy, and specifically the delimitation of species, is becoming increasingly objective and integrative. The use of coalescent-based methods applied to genetic data is providing new tools for the discovery and delimitation of species. Here, we use an integrative approach via a combination of discovery-based multivariate morphological analyses to detect potential new species. These potential species are then used as a priori species in hypothesis-driven validation analyses with genetic data. This research focuses on the harvestmen genus Sclerobunus found throughout the mountainous regions of western North America. Based on our analyses, we conduct a revision of Sclerobunus resulting in synonymy of Cyptobunus with Sclerobunus including transfer of S. cavicolens comb. nov. and elevation of both subspecies of S. ungulatus: S. ungulatus comb. nov. and S. madhousensis comb. nov., stat. nov. The three subspecies of S. robustus are elevated, S. robustus, S. glorietus stat. nov., and S. idahoensis stat. nov. Additionally, five new species of Sclerobunus are described from New Mexico and Colorado, including S. jemez sp. nov., S. klomax sp. nov., S. skywalkeri sp. nov., S. speoventus sp. nov., and S. steinmanni sp. nov. Several of the newly described species are single-cave endemics, and our findings suggest that further exploration of western North American cave habitats will likely yield additional new species.     

Ultrastructure of chemoreceptive tarsal sensilla in an armored harvestman and evidence of olfaction across Laniatores (Arachnida,Opiliones)

Harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones) are especially dependent on chemical cues and are often regarded as animals that rely mainly on contact chemoreception. Information on harvestman sensilla is scarce when compared to other arachnid orders, especially concerning internal morphology. Using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, we investigated tarsal sensilla on the distal tarsomeres (DT) of all leg pairs in Heteromitobates discolor (Laniatores, Gonyleptidae). Furthermore, we explored the typological diversity of sensilla present on the DT I and II in members of the suborder Laniatores, which include two thirds of the formally described opilionid fauna, using species from 17 families representing all main laniatorian lineages. Our data revealed that DT I and II of H. discolor are equipped with wall-pored falciform hairs (two types), wall-pored sensilla chaetica (two types) and tip-pored sensilla chaetica, while DT III and IV are mainly covered with trichomes (non-sensory) and tip-pored sensilla chaetica. The ultrastructural characteristics support an olfactory function for all wall-pored sensilla and a dual gustatory/mechanoreceptive function for tip-pored sensilla chaetica. Based on our comparative SEM survey, we show that wall-pored sensilla occur in all investigated Laniatores, demonstrating their widespread occurrence in the suborder and highlighting the importance of both legs I and II as the sensory appendages of laniatorean harvestmen. Our results provide the first morphological evidence for olfactory receptors in Laniatores and suggest that olfaction is more important for harvestmen than previously thought.     

A new Tithaeus species from Hainan Island, China (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores, Epedanidae), with a key to the Chinese species

A new species of the harvestmen Tithaeus calyptratussp. n. (Epedanidae, Opiliones) from Hainan Island (China) is diagnosed, described and illustrated. A key to the two Chinese species of Tithaeus is provided.     

南门峡裂腹鱼亚科鱼类形态相似种的分类学地位——形态趋同进化实例

受高原抬升所致的水系变迁及人类活动的影响,分布于南门峡河流的裂腹鱼亚科鱼类与黄河干支流种群间的基因交流受到长期限制。作为孤立小群体,探讨其分类学地位及其在小生境中的进化机制对了解青藏高原鱼类多样性和物种的形成、进化具有重要意义。本文采用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)和直接测序方法获得了南门峡裂腹鱼亚科鱼类(n=29)及其近缘种(n=19)共48个个体的线粒体DNA(mtDNA)细胞色素b(cytb)基因的全序列(1140bp),并以厚唇裸重鱼和尖裸鲤为外群构建了MP和Bayesian系统进化树。南门峡裂腹鱼亚科鱼类29个个体的序列经排序后,发现有100个(8·77%)多态性位点,共定义了16个单倍型,在系统进化树上分布于截然不同的两个族群中。其中5个单倍型(NMX3、6、7、13、15)与其近缘种花斑裸鲤和青海湖裸鲤形成单系群(MP99%,Bayesian98%),而其余11个单倍型(NMX1、2、4、5、8、9、10、11、12、14、16)与黄河干支流的黄河裸裂尻鱼形成另一个单系群(MP99%,Bayesian99%)。序列差异分析显示,分布于不同族群的南门峡裂腹鱼亚科鱼类之间存在较大的碱基差异(平均为7·42%),显示出种间差异水平,表明分布于南门峡河流的裂腹鱼亚科鱼类可能是花斑裸鲤和黄河裸裂尻鱼形态相似种的复合体。结合青藏高原隆升所致的气候环境变化和高原北部水系变迁的事件,推断形态趋同进化可能导致了南门峡河流裂腹鱼亚科鱼类形态相似种的共存,而小生境自然选择压力是引发适应性形态趋同进化的主要原因。     

Interspecific,ontogenetic, and sexual variation in ozopore morphology among cosmetid harvestmen (Arachnida,Opiliones, Laniatores)

The ozopores of cosmetid harvestmen rest upon lateral projections of the carapace, have simple or highly reduced channels, and are partially obscured by enlarged dorsal processes associated with coxae I and II. Rather than use scent gland secretions to form a chemical shield on the dorsum, the cosmetid harvestman exhibits a unique defensive behavior known as “leg dabbing” in which the distal tip of tarsus I or II is dipped into fluid that accumulate at the base of coxa II and the droplet on the tarsus is pointed toward the predator. Relatively little is known about interspecific variation in ozopore morphology among cosmetid harvestmen. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy to examine the ozopores of males and females of nine species as well as those of antepenultimate nymphs for two species. Among adults, we found differences between species in the shapes of the ozopores (round or subtriangular), the morphology of the dorsal and lateral channels (if present), and the relative size, shape and armature of the dorsal posterior process (dpp) of coxa I and the dorsal anterior process (dap) of coxa II. Our observations suggest that the morphology of dpp I and dap II could be sources for systematic characters in future phylogenetic studies of the Cosmetidae. We observed ontogenetic differences but relatively little intersexual variation in the morphology of the ozopore. The ozopores of nymphs are generally more oval than those of adults and the opening of the ozopore of the nymph is less obstructed, if at all, by the dorsal coxal processes of legs I–II. These morphological differences suggest that nymphs may use scent gland secretions in a manner different from that of adults.     

Walk it off: predictive power of appendicular characters toward inference of higher‐level relationships in Laniatores (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Morphological characters are essential for establishing phylogenetic relationships, delimiting higher‐level taxa, and testing phylogenetic relationships inferred from molecular sequence data. In cases where relationships between large clades remain unresolved, it becomes imperative to establish which character systems are sound predictors of phylogenetic signal. In the case of Laniatores, the largest suborder of Opiliones, some superfamilial relationships remain unresolved or unsupported, and traditionally employed phenotypic characters are typically of utility only at the family level. Here we investigated a promising set of morphological characters that can be discretized and scored in all Opiliones: cuticular structures of the distal podomeres (metatarsi and tarsi). We intensively sampled members of all known families of Laniatores, and define here three new, discrete appendicular characters toward refinement of Laniatores superfamilial systematics: metatarsal paired slits (MPS; occurring in all Laniatores except Sandokanidae), proximal tarsomeric gland (PTG; in Icaleptidae, Fissiphalliidae, and Zalmoxidae), and tarsal aggregate pores (TAP; found in Gonyleptoidea, Epedanoidea, and Pyramidopidae). We conducted statistical tests on each character to characterize the strength of phylogenetic signal and assess character independence, based on alternative tree topologies of Laniatores. All three characters had high retention indices and bore significantly strong phylogenetic signal. Excepting one pairwise comparison, morphological characters did not evolve in a correlated manner, indicating that appendicular morphology does not constitute a single character system. Our results demonstrate the predictive power and utility of appendicular characters in Opiliones phylogeny, and proffer a promising source of diagnostic synapomorphies for delimiting superfamilies.     

Molecular systematics and morphological character evolution of the Condamineeae (Rubiaceae)

? Premise of the study: The Condamineeae have in previous molecular studies been shown to be part of an early-divergent clade within the subfamily Ixoroideae, together with the tribes Calycophylleae, and Hippotideae, and genera of the former Cinchoneae and Rondeletieae. Generic relationships within this clade have, however, remained largely unresolved. ? Methods: In this study, the systematics of the Condamineeae was further examined by phylogenetic reconstruction of six cpDNA regions and one nrDNA region using parsimony and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo inference. Morphological character evolution within the tribe was assessed by ancestral state reconstruction using likelihood optimization of characters onto Bayesian trees. ? Key results: Calycophylleae appears polyphyletic. "Hippotideae" is monophyletic but nested within the Condamineeae. The phylogenetic hypotheses presented support a resurrection of the genera Holtonia, Schizocalyx, and Semaphyllanthe. Furthermore, Bathysa is found to be polyphyletic, Tresanthera is found nested within Rustia, and the taxonomically disputed genus Dialypetalanthus is here shown to be sister to a Bothriospora-Wittmackanthus clade. Morphological ancestral state reconstructions indicate that protogyny have evolved at least two times within the tribe and that indehiscent fruits, loculicidal fruit dehiscence, and intrapetiolar stipules have evolved independently several times. The occurrence of calycophylls (leaf-like calyx lobes), poricidal anthers, and winged seeds also appear homoplastic within the tribe. ? Conclusions: A diagnosis and delimitation of the tribe Condamineeae is presented, with taxonomic proposals to synonymize Tresanthera and to transfer several species of Bathysa as well as Phitopis to a resurrected Schizocalyx.     

Comparative study of the morphology of the gland opening area among Grassatores harvestmen (Arachnida,Opiliones, Laniatores)

Arachnids of the order Opiliones (harvestmen), which includes around 6000 specìes, have a pair of scent glands that open at the sides of the body, producing substances used as defence. Several types of behavioural, morphological and chemical defensive mechanisms have been identified in the order as a whole, although some of these tactics were restricted to particular groups. Only around 60 species have been studied from this perspective so far, more than half of which belong to the largest harvestman family within the order Laniatores, the Gonyleptidae, and have only recently been studied in an evolutionary perspective, showing the usefulness of defensive characters in taxonomy and evolutionary biology. Within Laniatores, the Grassatores clade includes the Gonyleptidae and 20 additional families, mostly poorly or not previously studied. We describe the morphology of the structures involved in fluid displacement during chemical defence in 15 of these families (data on two additional families are available from the literature) and discuss the evolution of such traits based on an available phylogenetic hypothesis of relationships within Grassatores, using the representatives of Triaenonychidae (a non‐Grassatores family of Laniatores) for comparison. We conclude that most non‐gonyleptoid Grassatores share (maybe plesiomorphically) a series of characteristics, mostly strongly different from what is observed within the gonyleptoids, and that smaller groups seem to share diagnostic features related to chemical defence, as is the case of stygnids, cosmetids and triaenonychines, and especially of manaosbiids and cranaids, whose defensive morphologies largely resemble those of derived gonyleptids. The following main synapomorphies were detected: (a) Grassatores: the presence of a deep and well‐defined descending channel; (b) Samooidea+Zalmoxoidea+Assamioidea+Gonyleptoidea: lateral pegs along the lateral channel; (c) Samooidea+Zalmoxoidea: deep channels forming an H on the dorsal scute; (d) Gonyleptoidea: ozopore cutting dorsally (reversing in Agoristenidae and Stygnidae to a laterally placed oval ozopore), a wide and smooth lateral channel, reversing to a lateral channel whose bottom is covered with either small plates (Agoristenidae) or high tubercles (Stygnidae), and apophyses of coxa II close to or covering the ozopore.     

Fissiphalliidae, a new family of South American laniatorean harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Fissiphalliidae, a new family of the Opiliones suborder Laniatores, is described in the superfamily Gonyleptoidea, based on a new genus (Fissiphallius n. gen.) und 3 new species (F. sturmi n. sp., F. spinulatus n. sp., F. sympatricus n. sp.) from Colombia. Most emphasized are the male genitalic characters, unique in Opiliones: A honzontally split truncus which results in a long movable (glans) and an immovable finger (distal part of the truncus). Both hide the extremely long stylus with the seminal opening at its end. In an expanded state, the movable finger is bent dorsally by an erectile vesicle. It is shown that male genitalic characters in Opiliones display clear functional and constructional traits on the family level. Those characters, if used appropriately, will demonstrate that several families in gonyleptoid Laniatores are polyphyletic and should be divided into several taxa of the family level.