Search

Most chelicerates operate the world with two kinds of visual organs, the median and lateral eyes of the arthropod ground plan. In harvestmen (Opiliones), however, members of the small and withdrawn suborder Cyphophthalmi lack eyes except for two genera with lateral eyes. In the other suborders (Eupnoi, Dyspnoi, and Laniatores), lateral eyes are absent but median eyes pronounced. To resolve the phylogenetic history of these contrasting trait states and the taxonomic position of a four‐eyed harvestmen fossil, visual system development was recently studied in the daddy longleg Phalangium opilio (Eupnoi). This effort uncovered not only a highly regressed and internalized pair of lateral eyes but also a similarly cryptic pair of additional median eyes. After recounting the evo‐devo discovery journey of uncompromising harvestmen taxonomists, this review explores comparative evidence that the enigmatic P. opilio relict eyes might serve the multichannel zeitgeber system of the biological clock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quindina Roewer, 1914 is a nomoclastid genus with 11 described species behaviourally characterised by its remarkable nest-building behaviour. In this paper we describe two new Colombian species of the genus from the western range of the Northern Andes, based on genital morphology and external characters. In addition, we explore their phylogenetic relationships using a phenotypic matrix with 96 characters, three newly proposed, and 55 terminals including all described species of Quindina and a wide outgroup sample across the suborder Laniatores. Quindina sanantoniosp. n. (type locality: Valle del Cauca, Santiago de Cali, San Antonio Forest) can be diagnosed by having two olive-green patches behind the ocularium and on the lateral portion of areas II and III, connected on the posterior margin of area III. Quindina horologiumsp. n. (type locality: Risaralda, Santuario, Planes de San Rafael) can be diagnosed by having an hourglass-shaped dorsal pattern, beginning as two emerald-green patches next to the ocularium and continuing to the posterior margin of area III. Both species build nests without walls on the underside of leaves (ie flattened nest type), a previously unknown nest architecture for the genus. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Quindina. The two new species, herein described, were recovered as basally branching within the genus. The inferred ancestral state for the nest architecture was the flattened nest type. We provide an updated key for the Colombian species of the genus Quindina and an updated distribution map. . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

City parks serve as valuable refuges for invertebrates in the urban environment, which are constantly exposed to human influence caused by management practices in the parks. Many harvestman species are suitable bioindicators for monitoring ecological change; however, their effective use in environmental assessment necessitates to expand the insufficient knowledge of ecological environmental specificities of their communities. We studied the diversity and dynamics of harvestman (Opiliones) communities in the historical park in Rusovce, situated in the southwestern part of Bratislava (Slovakia). Seven study sites were investigated, representing areas subjected to different management practices. The research was conducted from March 2019 to April 2020, using pitfall traps. We evaluated the impact of microclimatic variables (soil and air temperature), environmental characteristics (plant diversity and cover of vegetation layers, age of forest stands, thickness of the litter layer), and management practices on the structure of harvestman communities. The study revealed the response of specific harvestman species to temperature variations, emphasizing the importance of microclimatic conditions. Environmental variables, such as the richness of plant species in the shrub layer, the cover of the herb and shrub vegetation layers, and the age of the forest stands, were identified as key factors that influence the dispersal of harvestman species. Furthermore, management practices, especially the presence of monoculture tree plantations, significantly affected the species composition of harvestmen. Examining the sensitivity of Opiliones, important bioindicators, to these factors is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies in urban green spaces and anthropogenically influenced ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rosy Litter Frog (Leptobrachella eos) is known from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Knowledge about the natural history of this species is virtually lacking. As a result of our field work in Son La, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces of Vietnam, we provide data on the food composition of L. eos for the first time. Using the stomach-flushing method, we analyzed stomach contents of 34 individuals (23 males and 11 females) from a total of 42 frogs, with stomachs of five males and three females (19%) being empty. A total of 13 prey categories were observed in the stomachs of L. eos , with 232 items, comprising 230 items of invertebrates and two unidentified items. The most important (IRI) groups among the prey of L. eos were Blattodea (26.31%), Araneae (17.26%), Orthoptera (13.21%), Coleoptera (12.39%), and Opiliones (10.09%). There was an overlap of 51.11 % in the diet between males and females, The trophic spectrum of males comprising 11 prey categories revealed to be wider than that of females comprising nine prey categories. Despite differences in diets between the sexes, Blattodea, Orthoptera, Araneae, Coleoptera, and Opiliones represented the most important prey category for all of them. In addition, we also report a new find of Leptobrachella eos , with a new subpopulation from Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes taxonomic information on the genus Eutimesius Roewer, 1913. Three new species are described: the sympatric species E. aroa sp. nov. and E. guaichia sp. nov. from Yaracuy state and E. canoabo sp. nov. from Carabobo state in Venezuela. The male of E. ephippiatus (Roewer, 1915) is described for the first time. Remarks are made on the distribution of E. ornatus, and a complimentary description of male genitalia is provided for E. simoni Roewer, 1913. New departmental records are added for E. ephippiatus and E. simoni. An updated distribution map and a key to the identification of the males of the species in the genus are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neofunctionalization of duplicated gene copies is thought to be an important process underlying the origin of evolutionary novelty and provides an elegant mechanism for the origin of new phenotypic traits. One putative case where a new gene copy has been linked to a novel morphological trait is the origin of the arachnid patella, a taxonomically restricted leg segment. In spiders, the origin of this segment has been linked to the origin of the paralog dachshund-2 , suggesting that a new gene facilitated the expression of a new trait. However, various arachnid groups that possess patellae do not have a copy of dachshund-2 , disfavoring the direct link between gene origin and trait origin. We investigated the developmental genetic basis for patellar patterning in the harvestman Phalangium opilio , which lacks dachshund-2. Here, we show that the harvestman patella is established by a novel expression domain of the transcription factor extradenticle. Leveraging this definition of patellar identity, we surveyed targeted groups across chelicerate phylogeny to assess when this trait evolved. We show that a patellar homolog is present in Pycnogonida (sea spiders) and various arachnid orders, suggesting a single origin of the patella in the ancestor of Chelicerata. A potential loss of the patella is observed in Ixodida. Our results suggest that the modification of an ancient gene, rather than the neofunctionalization of a new gene copy, underlies the origin of the patella. Broadly, this work underscores the value of comparative data and broad taxonomic sampling when testing hypotheses in evolutionary developmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvester species exhibit a diverse array of defenses against predators. In this article, we briefly cover chemical defenses, coloration patterns, autotomy, aggregations, freezing behavior, bobbing, body vibration, and the production of sounds that might be used to avoid predators' attacks. Those defenses are not present in all harvester species and may not deter all kinds of predators. We discuss how prey-predator interaction may shape the evolution of defenses. Here we focus on studies that have been done after 2007, and we aim to give a general idea of the knowledge about prey-predator interactions in Opiliones to date, especially to the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male harvestmen penial armature has a remarkable morphology; however, it is poorly known regarding its functions. We examined the male genitalia of virgin and mated males of the gonyleptid Pachyloides thorellii under Scanning Electron Microscope looking for evidence that the penis could remove sperm from the female ovipositor lumen during mating. Micrographs show sperm agglutinations over and within the microsetae fields in six out of the 12 mated males studied. For the mating experiments we used only virgin females, therefore the sperm found in the penis was in all cases their own sperm. This self-sperm removal could be the extraction of sperm excess in cooperation (or not) with the females. This is the first study to show for the Order Opiliones direct evidence that a male penis contains structures that can effectively remove sperm from the female ovipositor. Further behavioral and morphological studies are needed to confirm the conditions of occurrence and participation of each sex in sperm removal processes in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arachnid fauna of the Maltese Islands has not yet been adequately investigated. In the present work, from a total of 117 species sampled, 36 taxa represent newly recorded spider species (Araneae) for Malta, with an additional new record of a harvestman (Opiliones). These new records include three new spider families and one new harvestman family for the Maltese archipelago: Anyphaenidae Bertkau, 1878, Mimetidae Simon, 1881, Oxyopidae Thorell, 1869 and Sclerosomatidae Simon, 1879; as well as two species which are recorded from Europe for the first time: Acartauchenius insigniceps (Simon, 1894) and Zelotes poecilochroaeformis Denis, 1937. Ecological, distributional, biogeographical and taxonomic notes are provided for the newly recorded species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimens of the genus Phalangium Linnaeus, 1758 (Phalangiidae Latreille, 1802) are reported from northern Iraq and were identified as Phalangium punctipes (L. Koch, 1878). These represent the first record of both, genus and species, for the Iraqi Opiliones fauna. The characteristic features of the species and illustrations of their habitat are presented. This record increases the number of known Opiliones in Iraq to six species, which is a very low number compared to the Opiliones checklists from two nearby countries, namely Iran with 28 species and Türkiye with 89 species and five subspecies. Nineteen species and two subspecies records from the Türkiye checklist are considered misidentifications and therefore omitted in our revised checklist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presently known distribution of Megabunus diadema is summarized and presented as a map. The species is known from Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Western Norway, Great Britain, Western France by the English Channel and Northern Spain. M. diadema was studied in 9 localities at the island of RY Karmøy, Ryfylke (EIS 13) in Western Norway from 3 different biotopes during the period of 15 June - 10 July 1997. During this period, 261 females and 3 males were collected by hand-picking. M. diadema is mainly a parthenogenetic species, and these males are the first reported from Norway. Regarding morphological characters the body length, movable cheliceral finger, pedipalpal tarsus and 1. eye spine were measured. Both the smallest and largest body length were found in specimens from coniferous wood. Compared to Western Europe and Great Britain no geographical differences were detected regarding body length. Regarding movable cheliceral finger length specimens from different coniferous woods were both smallest and largest in size. The length of pedipalpal tarsus was smallest in mixed wood and greatest in coniferous wood. 1. eye spine length was smallest in mixed wood and largest in coniferous wood. The southern distribution limit of M. diadema was found to lie close to the county border of VAY Vest-Agder. The biotope preference of the species was found to be mixed wood, and the density maximum was in the last week of June.

Abstract Background Karst caves serve as natural laboratories, providing organisms with extreme and constant conditions that promote isolation, resulting in a genetic relationship and living environment that is significantly different from those outside the cave. However, research on cave creatures, especially Opiliones, remains scarce, with most studies focused on water, soil, and cave sediments. Results The structure of symbiotic bacteria in different caves were compared, revealing significant differences. Based on the alpha and beta diversity, symbiotic bacteria abundance and diversity in the cave were similar, but the structure of symbiotic bacteria differed inside and outside the cave. Microorganisms in the cave play an important role in material cycling and energy flow, particularly in the nitrogen cycle. Although microbial diversity varies inside and outside the cave, Opiliones in Beijing caves and Hainan Island exhibited a strong similarity, indicating that the two environments share commonalities. Conclusions The karst cave environment possesses high microbial diversity and there are noticeable differences among different caves. Different habitats lead to significant differences in the symbiotic bacteria in Opiliones inside and outside the cave, and cave microorganisms have made efforts to adapt to extreme environments. The similarity in symbiotic bacteria community structure suggests a potential similarity in host environments, providing an explanation for the appearance of Sinonychia martensi in caves in the north.

In this study, the understanding of the harvestman genus Carlotta Roewer, 1943, is expanded. Carlotta currently comprises two species found in central Espírito Santo state. The descriptions of the existing Carlotta species have been supplemented, including genital morphology. Four new species are herein described—Carlotta beckerisp. nov., Carlotta bicornissp. nov., Carlotta iohannissp. nov. and Carlotta obtortrixsp. nov.—extending the range of the genus both southwards and northwards from southern Espírito Santo to southern Bahia. Among the new findings, a unique trait is exhibited by two species: a pair of spines on the ocularium (dicerate), in contrast to a single spine (monocerate). This variation is significant, as the number of spines on the ocularium plays a crucial role in the Roewerian diagnosis for the genus. The characterisation of the genital morphology of Carlotta species is refined, with the identification and naming of two distinctive structures: the dilophium—two parallel lamellate ridges along the disto‐ventral surface of the stylus, terminating in a broader loop—and the skeletal flabellum—a framework of arched cylindrical tapering branches with multiple ramifications. By shedding light on these newly identified structures, a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and evolutionary traits within the Gonyleptidae is contributed through this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Nuncia has long been the most speciose within the Opiliones family Triaenonychidae, comprising 63 species and subspecies distributed across New Zealand and South America. Recent molecular studies utilizing Sanger sequencing and ultraconserved elements (UCEs) have indicated that this genus is not monophyletic, and true Nuncia are actually confined to New Zealand. Here, the morphology of all South American triaenonychids is re-examined and DNA sequence data compiled from three markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) for a large number of triaenonychid species, including specimens from all areas with species currently and formerly classified in Nuncia to reassess their phylogenetic position. Based on our findings we 1) revalidate the genus Chilenuncia (Muñoz-Cuevas, 1971) nom. rest. ; 2) describe five new genera: Fresiax gen. nov., Mistralia gen. nov., Laftrachia gen. nov., Lautaria gen. nov., Nerudiella gen. nov. ; 3) redescribe five species: Fresiax spinulosa comb. nov., Mistralia verrucosa comb. nov., Chilenuncia chilensis comb. nov., Chilenuncia rostrata comb. nov., Nerudiella americana comb. nov. ; and 4) describe 22 new species of South American triaenonychids: Fresiax conica sp. nov., Fresiax fray sp. nov., Fresiax mauryi sp. nov., Fresiax pichicuy sp. nov., Mistralia ramirezi sp. nov., Laftrachia robin sp. nov., Lautaria ceachei sp. nov., Nerudiella cachai sp. nov., Nerudiella caramavida sp. nov., Nerudiella cautin sp. nov., Nerudiella choapa sp. nov., Nerudiella curi sp. nov., Nerudiella goroi sp. nov., Nerudiella jaimei sp. nov., Nerudiella malleco sp. nov., Nerudiella penco sp. nov., Nerudiella pichi sp. nov., Nerudiella portai sp. nov., Nerudiella quenes sp. nov., Nerudiella vilches sp. nov., Nerudiella wekufe sp. nov., and Nerudiella zapallar sp. nov. Furthermore, we provide detailed illustrations of all the South American species belonging to these lineages formerly classified in Nuncia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to reevaluate the phylogenetic position of Discocyrtus catharinensis (Mello-Leitão, 1923) in the family Gonyleptidae Sundevall, 1833. Based on a maximum parsimony cladistic analysis of 22 terminal taxa and 92 morphologic characters (1766 scorings), (1) the genus ParasadocusMello-Leitão, 1927 is restored from the synonym list of Discocyrtus Holmberg, 1878, and transferred from Pachylinae Sørensen, 1884 to Roeweriinae Carvalho & Kury, 2018, and (2) the specific combination Parasadocus catharinensis (Mello-Leitão, 1923) is also restored. P. catharinensis comb. rest. is here redescribed, and its geographical record of "Itatiaia" is contested. Finally, a lectotype is proposed here to solve questions about the type series of "Lycomedicus brasiliensis Soares & Soares 1949" (junior synonym of P. catharinensis comb. rest.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucynorta quadripustulata (Simon, 1879), the type species of the third most diverse genus in Cosmetidae, Eucynorta Roewer, 1912, was described for 'Colombia' and after more than a century, a more specific locality was not known. Based on the examination of abundant material from several collections, including the type material, we were able to better establish its geographic distribution in the Caribbean littoral of Colombia. A redescription of the species, emended diagnosis and comments about the status of the genus are offered. Finally, based on the morphology of the type species, we assigned the genus, originally in Cosmetinae Koch, 1839, to the subfamily Cynortinae Mello-Leitão, 1933. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of a new Cosmetidae species from Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama, with unusual sexual dimorphism and colouration, presented an identification challenge due to the limited knowledge of the taxonomy of cosmetids in Central America. The new species is notable for the extensive bright orange blots on the dorsal scutum and by the unusual structure of tibia IV of males, which is not incrassate, and bears two compact rows of strong spines. After examination of both type and non-type specimens of the type species of the genus Poecilaemula Roewer, 1912 (Meterginus signatus Banks, 1909), we decided that the new species should be assigned to this genus, and that the current circumscription of the genus is debatable as a natural group. Here, we propose a new definition of Poecilaemula, which includes three species: the type species from Costa Rica; Poecilaemula ichingsp. n. from western Panama; and the species Poecilaemula eutypa (Chamberlin, 1925) comb. n. from eastern Panama, which is newly transferred from Paecilaema C.L. Koch, 1839. Additionally, Paecilaemana reimoseri Roewer, 1933 is considered a new junior subjective synonym of Meterginus signatus Banks 1909 (currently under Poecilaemula). The five South American species currently included in Poecilaemula reveal a geographic discrepancy, and they should be transferred to other genera in future investigations because they do not share any special similarity with the type species of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Odiellus spinosus (harvestman spider; Arthropoda; Arachnida; Opiliones; Phalangiidae). The genome sequence spans 443.70 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 16 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.07 kilobases in length.

Harvestmen are a major arachnid order that has experienced a dramatic increase in biological knowledge in the 21st century. The publication of the book Harvestmen: The Biology of Opiliones in 2007 stimulated the development of many behavioral studies. Although the book is relatively recent, our understanding of the reproductive biology of harvestmen is already outdated due to the fast accumulation of new data. Our goal is to provide an updated review of the subject to serve as a benchmark for the following years. In the pre-copulatory phase, we explore the evolution of facultative parthenogenesis, the factors that may affect the types of mating system, and the role of nuptial gifts in courtship. Regarding the copulatory phase, harvestmen are unique arachnids because they have aflagellate spermatozoa and a penis with complex morphology. We discuss the implications of these two features for sperm competition and cryptic female choice. In the post-copulatory phase, we connect oviposition site selection and climate conditions to the widespread occurrence of resource defense polygyny, alternative reproductive tactics, and sexual dimorphism in several clades of tropical harvestmen. Finally, we present the different forms of parental care in the order, and discuss the benefits and costs of this behavior, which can be performed either by females or males. Throughout the review, we indicate gaps in our knowledge and subjects that deserve further studies. Hopefully, the information synthesized here will stimulate researchers worldwide to embrace harvestmen as a study system and to improve our effort to unravel the mysteries of their reproductive biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape complexity is a crucial factor for insect diversity in agricultural landscapes. Short-rotation coppices (SRCs) are characterised by high habitat heterogeneity. The impact of vegetation structure on the composition and diversity of ground beetle and arachnid communities was therefore investigated in four SRCs and six reference plots. The study site was located in Hesse, Germany. The invertebrates were surveyed from 2011 to 2014 using pitfall traps, and the vegetation structure was quantified by estimating the percentage cover of 10 structural variables. The impact of the selected structural variables on community composition was analysed during grove growth as well as after a timber harvest. We found correlations between the cover percentages of structural variables and the quantitative and qualitative species composition in both animal groups (p ≤ 0.05). The share of individuals of forest species increased with rising shading and litter cover, while those of open land decreased. The opposite trends were found the year after the timber harvest. The SRCs showed a higher structural diversity compared to the reference biotopes (p ≤ 0.05). This was positively correlated (p ≤ 0.001) with species diversity and the variety of habitat preference groups in both animal groups. The high diversity within the habitat preference groups indicated a functional redundancy among species for both animal groups and, consequently, a high level of resilience within these communities. Little is known about the functional aspects of ground beetles and spiders in ecosystems, and detailed studies are urgently needed. We conclude that SRCs can contribute to the diversification of agricultural landscapes as an alternative to traditional crop cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, based on the discovery and examination of male specimens of Liomma laeve Roewer, 1959, proposes the reclassification of the monotypic genus Liomma Roewer, 1959. Currently placed in Grassatores incertae sedis, we hereby transfer it to the Nomoclastidae family. In this work, we present a reevaluation of the genus and a comprehensive redescription of its type species. Additionally, we introduce a novel anatomical feature, seemingly exclusive to Nomoclastidae, which we term 'metatarsal carinate setae (MtCS)'. MtCS comprises specialised striate setae organised in a comb-like structure located on the prolateral distal part of metatarsus I in males. The presence of MtCS has been observed not only in Liomma laeve but also in several as-yet-undescribed species within the Nomoclastidae family. These observations are part of a broader, ongoing project aimed at comprehensively understanding and classifying this taxonomic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The former subfamily Prostygninae was recently elevated to family rank, and its phylogenetic relationships were investigated based on molecular data. In this study, we provide a revised morphological diagnosis for the family, focusing on characters from the exomorphology and male genital morphology. Morphological data supporting their inclusion in the MECO clade are provided. Additionally, a key to the genera is presented, and Prostygnus stellatussp. nov., a new Ecuadorian species, is described. The geographic distribution of prostygnid species is mapped. An overview of the inclusion and exclusion of genera formerly within Prostygninae, but currently in Gonyleptoidea incertae sedis, is presented, and the following new familial assignments are proposed: Binamballeus Roewer, 1952 and Puna metatarsalis (Kury, 1994) comb. nov. (transferred to Cranaidae), Sclerostygnellus Roewer, 1943 (transferred to Manaosbiidae) and Globitarsus Roewer, 1913, Lisarea Roewer, 1943, Meridanatus Roewer, 1943, Micropachylus Roewer, 1913, Prostygnidius Roewer, 1915, and Troya Roewer, 1914 (all transferred to Nomoclastidae). Three subjective synonyms of Troya are proposed: Peladoius Roewer, 1914 syn. nov., Prostygnellus Roewer, 1914 syn. nov., and Minyssus Roewer, 1943 syn. nov., combining their species with Troya and, finally, Prostygnellus riveti Roewer, 1914 is considered as a junior secondary homonym of Troya riveti Roewer, 1914 syn. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this application, under Article 55.3.1 of the Code, is to remove the homonymy between the family-group name StygnidaeHandlirsch, 1906 (Arthropoda: Insecta: order incertae sedis) and the family-group name StygnidaeSimon, 1879 (Arthropoda: Arachnida: Opiliones). It is proposed that the stem of the generic name StygneHandlirsch, 1906 be emended to Stygne- to give Stygneidae, while leaving the harvestmen family-group name Stygnidae, which is based on the genus StygnusPerty, 1833, unaltered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O Cerrado compreende cerca de 24% do território brasileiro e abriga uma rica biodiversidade com alta taxa de endemismo, entretanto, estima-se que apenas 8% deste bioma esteja protegido por Unidades de Conservação. Soma-se a isso a crescente redução da área do Cerrado devido ao desmatamento para pecuária e monoculturas, e as poucas informações acerca de muitos táxons, como por exemplo o dos opiliões, aracnídeos que reciclam nutrientes e desempenham importante papel nas cadeias tróficas, pois agem como predadores e presas. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi inventariar pela primeira vez a opiliofauna no Parque Nacional Grande Sertão Veredas (PNGSV), uma das maiores Unidades de Conservação de Cerrado nos estados de Minas Gerais e Bahia, Brasil. O trabalho foi realizado de setembro de 2022 a abril de 2023, no total de 48h de esforço amostral. Foram identificadas 13 espécies para a localidade, sendo a maior riqueza já registrada por estudos de inventários no bioma. As informações apresentadas justificam a necessidade urgente de mais estudos no Cerrado, para conhecer melhor a fauna de opiliões, principalmente em função da perda crescente da área desse bioma; além disso, os dados ratificam a importância do PNGSV para a proteção das comunidades de opiliões no Cerrado mineiro e baiano, e justifica os investimentos públicos para essa UC, que cumpre seu papel proposto de conservação da biota e dos recursos naturais brasileiros.

Spiders contribute to pest suppression in agroecosystems by direct and non-direct consumption. They provide an ecosystem service which provides economic gains to horticultural growing systems, such as apples, wine grapes, and kiwifruit. Very few studies on spider biodiversity in cropping systems have been completed in New Zealand, and no studies have been published for New Zealand orchard systems. In this study, spiders and harvestmen were sampled from vineyards, apple orchards, and kiwifruit orchards in three New Zealand locations, Waipara, Motueka, and Kerikeri. Spiders were sampled using pitfall traps, sweep netting, active day sampling, and active night sampling. A total of 1359 spiders and 87 Opiliones were caught in this study, from 17 families and 31 species. Sixteen of the 31 (51.6%) species found were introduced, 9 (29%) endemic to New Zealand, two species (6.4%) native to New Zealand, and four (12.9%) unknown. There were five dominant spider families caught (Araneidae, Lycosidae, Theridiidae, Linyphiidae, and Desidae), and of the adults, there were five dominant species: Anoteropsis hilaris, Tenuiphantes tenuis, Cryptachaea veruculata, Cryptachaea blattea, and Steatoda capensis. This study provides the first important step in describing the spider families and species found in three economically important New Zealand horticultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual specialization (IS) in resource use is common within populations of several animal species because some individuals can be more efficient than others in obtaining specific food items. Spiders are usually classified as euryphagous predators, but the broad diet of populations may result from many individuals specializing in capturing different types of prey. Empirical evidence supporting this pattern, however, is still scarce. In this study, we hypothesized that (1) the diet of individuals of Tidarren haemorrhoidale is more restricted than the population's diet and (2) individual diet restrictions are not determined by the spatial distribution of prey types. We collected the prey remains of 74 webs of females in a conservation area of the Atlantic Forest. Our results indicated that T. haemorrhoidale could be considered a euryphagous predator because its diet comprised Opiliones, Diplopoda, and eight orders of insects. However, spiders exhibited moderate and high degrees of IS for prey size and taxa, respectively. There was no modularity for both prey attributes in the food web, but there was a medium nestedness. Most individuals captured ants, but additional prey taxa were of different orders. There was no correlation between the dissimilarity of prey taxa and the distances between the webs, suggesting that IS did not occur based on the spatial distribution of their potential prey. The diversity of prey defensive strategies may induce spiders to perform specific behavioral routines after prey interception. If this occurs, cognitive constraints may limit their ability to use different capture routines efficiently. Our study supports the predictions of individual niche specialization theory for a euryphagous spider species and highlights the potential of spiders as a study model to investigate the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community science has contributed significantly to biodiversity and conservation related research. iNaturalist is a popular community science application, where community-submitted photo documentation of observed taxa has led to a large natural history database. Here, we present results of an iNaturalist project focusing on documenting Opiliones introduced to the USA and Canada. Including all observations made in this project up through 31 December 2021, there were 849 total observations (486 research grade), which included 16 introduced species (excluding multiple species of uncertain status), 11 of which were newly recorded for the USA and Canada. We provide an updated checklist of introduced species, including updated distributions for previously recorded species. This research was facilitated by the community science platform iNaturalist, which allows easy interactions between scientists of all types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvestmen exhibit substantial responses to environmental conditions, disturbances, and modifications of their habitat. We examined the abundance and species distribution of harvestmen along an elevational gradient in the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF) on Puerto Rico 6-12 weeks before and 9-10 months after Hurricane Maria passed over the island in September, 2017. This provided a unique opportunity to examine the effects of a major storm on litter-dwelling arthropod populations, as the storm led to a much greater abundance of leaf litter and downed branches. The abundance of harvestmen was measured in quadrat samples from 300 to 1,000 m elevation using Winkler samplers. We observed greater harvestmen abundance post-storm, which was similar to the results for most other arthropod groups. Pre-storm, harvestmen showed greater abundance in palm habitat, as compared to forests that were a mix of broadleaf and palm vegetation. Across all sampling periods, harvestmen were most abundant at low to medium elevations (300-600 m), especially for the two dominant taxa (Stygnomma spinula and Metacynortoides obscura obscura). Our findings are similar to results obtained from manipulative studies in the LEF several years prior to the hurricane. A challenge for the future is to understand the ways that the projected increase in storm severity due to climate change can affect various invertebrate groups such as harvestmen, and how tropical forests can remain resilient to such disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Colombia is a biodiverse country with 1,486 protected areas covering almost 50 million hectares, yet little is known about the biodiversity they harbor, particularly in terms of harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones). This study provides a comprehensive updated summary of the armored harvestmen (Laniatores) species found in Colombia with a list of 173 nominal species, focusing on the Laniatores fauna found in protected areas and its diversity is detailed and analyzed. Maps with all records associated with ecoregions and protected areas in Colombia are presented. Additionally, three new Laniatores species are described here: Phalangodus andresi sp. nov. from the department of Cundinamarca, and Ventrifurca phallaina sp. nov. and Ampycella fortunata sp. nov. from the department of Valle del Cauca; and a new family assignment is proposed for Paraphalangodus Roewer, 1915, placing it in the family Nomoclastidae. Information available on Laniatores in the National System of Protected Areas is still scarce and promoting strategies to facilitate the regulatory procedures for collecting specimens in these areas and increasing investment in basic science projects, are suggested to improve the understanding and study of the Laniatores fauna and other invertebrates in Colombia. Finally, a chronicle and timeline set of figures of species of Laniatores from Colombia, described by various authors during three periods, is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvestmen are considered excellent models for investigating defensive behavior, as they can demonstrate primary mechanisms, such as cryptic coloration, and secondary mechanisms, such as the release of odoriferous substances. In our study, we investigated whether the time of the day and sexual dimorphism influence the defensive strategies of the gonyleptid harvestman Pseudopucrolia discrepans (Roewer, 1943). The behavioral trials were carried out with 60 harvestmen (30 males and 30 females) collected from an Atlantic Rainforest fragment in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Of these, 15 males and 15 females were tested during the day and the other 15 males and 15 females were tested at night. The trials simulated attacks by predators and in response to them, P. discrepans demonstrated six different defensive behaviors: freezing, pinching, chemical release, body shaking, thanatosis, and fleeing. During the day, males and females did not show differences in the frequency of the use of defensive behaviors. However, at night, females stood out in relation to males. Thus, we were able to demonstrate that the period of the day influences the behavioral differences in both sexes of P. discrepans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Males of numerous species of harvestman have been reported to be dimorphic with respect to size of the weapon that is used in aggressive encounters with conspecific males. The claim of dimorphism was based in every instance on finite mixture modeling of the frequency distribution for size of the weapon, with the detection of bimodality being equated with the detection of dimorphism. I used the Hartigan dip test and frequency histograms to re-examine the original data for size of the weapon in males of five species of harvestman. Distributions for two of the species are unimodal by both dip test and graphical display; distributions for two others have an appearance of bimodality in frequency diagrams but do not depart significantly from unimodality by the dip test; and the distribution for the remaining species is multimodal by the dip test but appears to be unimodal in graphical display. Patterns of bivariate (allometric) variation follow sigmoidal curves for all five species, with the steep part of the curve corresponding with the low point in the histogram for the two species that give an appearance of bimodality. Thus, bimodality — when it can be detected and confirmed — is most likely to be a consequence of an unexpected pattern of allometric variation and not dimorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most arachnid fertilization occurs internally, allowing for a variety of post-copulatory mechanisms to take place. Females are expected to exert some level of control over sperm fate when (1) the point of gametic fusion is particularly distant from the point of oogenesis, (2) the time of syngamy is significantly later than the time of mating, (3) sperm are non-motile, and/or (4) the morphology of females allows for selective containment of sperm. Many of these conditions are met in Opiliones (a.k.a. "harvesters," "harvestmen," or "daddy-longlegs"), where we have evidence of sexual antagonism, multiple mating, and delayed oviposition for a number of species. We used confocal laser scanning microscopy to capture and analyze images of harvester spermathecae, structures within the genitalia of female arthropods that store and maintain sperm after copulation. Spermathecal morphology may have critical function in controlling seminal movement. We anticipated that species with previously identified traits associated with sexual antagonism would also have thicker and/or relatively more complex spermathecae. We examined spermathecal morphology in 13 species of Leiobunum and 1 species of Hadrobunus , which were collected from North America and Japan. Our results show that eight species had structures consisting of a single chamber with no or partial invagination, and the remainder had multiple cuticular invaginations producing 2–3 lumina within the spermathecae. Using phylogenetic multivariate comparative methods, we estimated a trend toward cross-correlation between conflict and spermathecal traits. Some, but not all, of the species with thicker, more complex spermathecae had morphological traits associated with sexual conflict (larger body size, thicker genital muscle). In conclusion, we discuss methods to elucidate spermathecal mechanism and sperm precedence in these species. Confocal microscopy allowed us to visualize internal structures difficult to interpret with two-dimensional brightfield microscopy, a technique that could be applied to the characterization of internal reproductive structures in other arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraspecific weapon polymorphisms that arise via conditional thresholds may be affected by juvenile experience such as predator encounters, yet this idea has rarely been tested. The New Zealand harvestman Forsteropsalis pureora has three male morphs: majors (alphas and betas) are large-bodied with large chelicerae used in male–male contests, while minors (gammas) are small-bodied with small chelicerae and scramble to find mates. Individuals use leg autotomy to escape predators and there is no regeneration of the missing leg. Here, we tested whether juvenile experience affects adult morph using leg autotomy scars as a proxy of predator encounters. Juvenile males that lost at least one leg (with either locomotory or sensory function) had a 45 times higher probability of becoming a minor morph at adulthood than intact juvenile males. Leg loss during development may affect foraging, locomotion, and/or physiology, potentially linking a juvenile's predator encounters to their final adult morph and future reproductive tactic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small group of species historically included in the genus Cynorta C.L. Koch, 1839 has been identified and described in this study. Based on a phylogenetic analysis using morphological data, we propose that these species be recognized as a non-monotypic genus, for which the available name Abria Sørensen, 1932 is used. Abria is newly diagnosed and its species illustrated, and its systematic position in the family Cosmetidae is evaluated by parsimony and Bayesian analyses. Our results reinforce Abria as a separate genus not related to Cynorta, suggest a relationship with some Cynortinae from the Antillas, and challenge the monophyly of the subfamily. The following nomenclatural acts are proposed: Abria Sørensen, 1932 rank nov., revalidated (originally a subgenus of Cynorta , and currently in its synonymy); Abria innominata Henriksen, 1932 (= Cynorta ornatissima González-Sponga, 1992 syn. nov.); Abria maculabnormis comb. nov (for Cynorta maculabnormis González-Sponga, 1992). and Abria reticulata stat. rev., comb. nov (for Cynortula reticulata Roewer, 1947) (= Cynorta montis González-Sponga, 1992 syn. nov.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of arachnid species in Tasik Chini was conducted from 22nd to 26th of February 2022. The Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method was employed as the primary approach for arachnid detection. The outcomes of this study provided the first documented literature presenting a checklist of arachnid species identified in the Tasik Chini region. This study records total of 33 arachnid species, encompassing the Araneae, Scorpions, Opiliones, and Thelyphonida families. Notably, two intriguing spider species, namely Damarchus sp. "Chini" (Tube trapdoor spider) and Psednocnemis brachyramosa (Malaysian Blue Femur Tarantula), were discovered during the survey. This marks the initial confirmation of the presence of P. brachyramosa in Pahang, as previous records solely report its occurrence in Gunung Ledang, Johor. To further unravel the distinctive arachnid assemblages within this Man and Biosphere Reserve, future investigations should concentrate on conducting intensive sampling of arachnids in the broader Tasik Chini Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is clear that EntoQuest provided a glimpse into the Eastern Branch community and how it affects the scientific field of entomology. Some of the graduate students who have had fewer years of experience with the Eastern Branch regarded EntoQuest as a turning point for how they understood the Eastern Branch's role in the field of entomology. Graph: ABOVE: Group photo of EntoQuest 2022 at the 4H Center, taken by a drone. Jaree Johnson "Most people are scared of insects, but EntoQuest is a way to relax and open your eyes to entomology.". [Extracted from the article]

Few cases of insects as parasites of the Order Opiliones have been recorded so far, most of them involving Diptera. Only three cases have been recorded of phorids as parasitoids of the harvestmen family Gonyleptidae. Seven first-time events of Phoridae immatures on harvestmen (Cranaidae) are reported here. The cases describe puparia of Phoridae on adults of five Andean species from Colombia and Ecuador, belonging to Bucayana Mello-Leitão, 1942, Neocranaus Roewer, 1913, Phareicranaus Roewer, 1913 and Ventrivomer Roewer, 1913 (all cranaid genera). Two distribution patterns of the puparia on the harvestmen's body were observed and described. Our data could suggest that the flies herein studied have specificity in their host choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new species of Nilgirius, N. pygoprominulus sp. n. (male and female) in the family Assamiidae from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated herein. Sexual size dimorphism (male larger than female) is inconsistent with most assamiids. Other sexually dimorphic features (body shape, leg IV and pseudonychium) are reported. New information: Nilgirius pygoprominulus sp. n. is described as a new species of Trionyxellinae. Information about sexual dimorphism of the species is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind disturbances and consequent salvage logging lead to drastic changes in forest soil conditions, vegetation and microclimate, potentially affecting arthropod communities. In mountain regions, topography is expected to be particularly important to modulate the effect of canopy removal and soil disturbance potentially amplifying the ecological contrast between forest and disturbed areas. Here, we studied the short-term response of ground beetles (Carabidae), spiders (Araneae), and harvestmen (Opiliones) in wind-damaged spruce forests along statistically orthogonal gradients in elevation, slope, and aspect. We addressed three main ecological questions: (i) Does the effect of wind disturbance on diversity depend on topography? (ii) Are there specific taxon-related responses to disturbances?, and (iii) What is the role of dispersal in shaping species assembly dynamics? We generally observed that increasing slope and elevation amplified the differences between undisturbed forest and windfall areas. On the one hand, the diversity of ground beetles and harvestmen seemed to be negatively affected by wind disturbance, causing a loss of specialized forest species with a low rate of colonization of species typical of open habitats. On the other hand, several novel spider species were able to rapidly colonize windfalls and community composition strongly shifted from forest to disturbed areas. Species with long-range dispersal strategies (e.g. flying and ballooning) were those more likely to colonize windfalls. Our findings suggest that disturbance effects on ground-dwelling organisms were modulated by underlying environmental gradients and that short-term response of different taxa was dependent on their dispersal ability.

Describing the signals involved in sexual interactions is crucial to understand how mating and fertilization success is achieved. We analyzed sexual interactions in the gonyleptid harvestman Pachyloides thorellii Holmberg, 1878 to test the possibility of associations between female and male behaviors. For that purpose, we recorded 21 sexual interactions of P. thorellii under laboratory conditions and performed fine scaled analyses of the videos. We found three female pre-copulatory behaviors ("Mouth parts protrusion," "Genital operculum opening," and "Ovipositor eversion") that seem to be related to sexual receptivity and cooperation with mating occurrence, and four copulatory behaviors ("Bucking," "Pulling," "Body lowering," and "Leg II movements") that could be indicating to the male that further stimulation is required or that mating is about to end. We also found that males use multimodal courtship displays that include the exchange of tactile and possibly chemical signals between sexes. This study shows that courtship and copulation in P. thorellii include intense information flow between sexes and female evaluation from the beginning until the end of the sexual interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of Neotropical Grassatores, Hevelia crucis gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on material of both sexes from Colombia. After comparison with the greater groups in Zalmoxoidea, especially the putative early derivative families Guasiniidae and Icaleptidae, this new taxon is considered a Zalmoxoidea incertae sedis, and seems to be related with Trypophobica Cruz-López et al., 2021 (currently in Icaleptidae, but which should be removed from this family) and Costabrimma Goodnight & Goodnight, 1983 (currently in Zalmoxoidea incertae sedis), both from Central America. Two species currently included in the zalmoxid genus Stygnoleptes Banks, 1913 from El Salvador are transferred to Trypophobica, creating the new combinations T. gibbera (Roewer, 1954) and T. sellata (Roewer, 1954). Two morphological structures for Zalmoxoidea are named here: mons cribellatus (sexually dimorphic porous prosomal and/or abdominal dorsal hillock) and elbow-spade (lanceolate blade apical in the truncus penis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we report on harvestmen and spiders feeding on fungi, fruits, and seeds. Fungivory in harvestmen is widespread, with most reports referring to tropical species in the family Sclerosomatidae, which consume mainly small forest mushrooms (families Marasmiaceae and Mycenaceae). In contrast, consumption of fungal material by spiders apparently occurs only if airborne spores trapped in the viscid threads of orb-webs (e.g., Araneidae and Tetragnathidae) are ingested along with old webs prior to the construction of new webs. Consumption of fruit pulp by harvestmen is also widespread, with several records of Leiobunum spp. (Sclerosomatidae) feeding on Rubus spp. berries and other lipid-poor fruits in the Holarctic region. In Neotropical forests, harvestmen in the families Cosmetidae and Gonyleptidae feed on lipidpoor pulp of fallen fruits. Among spiders, we document several cases of synanthropic species opportunistically feeding on fruit waste (e.g., pieces of banana, papaya, watermelon, or orange pulp) inside houses or disposed in yards. Only one case of a spider feeding on a wild fruit in the field was found in our search. Finally, we report several cases of harvestmen and spiders feeding on elaiosomes or arils (i.e., lipid-rich seed appendages). In conclusion, harvestmen consume mushrooms, fruit pulp, seeds, and seed appendages more frequently than spiders probably because they are "solid food feeders", which means they can ingest solid tissues by biting off small pieces. In turn, spiders are "fluid feeders" and feed on vegetable matter most frequently in the form of fluids (e.g., nectar, stigmatic exudate, plant sap, and honey dew), rather than fungal or plant tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]