Sironidae
Leach, 1816
Sironid Harvestmen
Sironidae is a of Cyphophthalmi comprising more than 60 described . It was the first described family of the suborder Cyphophthalmi and remains among the least understood phylogenetically. The family exhibits a predominantly Laurasian distribution, with species concentrated in temperate Europe and the west coast of North America. of the family is poorly supported with traditional molecular markers; the Mediterranean Parasiro and Japanese genus Suzukielus sometimes branch basally relative to other sironids.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sironidae: /sɪˈrɒnɪdiː/
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Identification
Sironidae are distinguished from other Cyphophthalmi by male genitalic , which has been characterized using confocal laser scanning microscopy across most . The family lacks the derived features that define other cyphophthalmid families. -level identification requires examination of male and often depends on geographic distribution due to high regional .
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Habitat
Many inhabit caves, particularly in the Balkan region and Iberian Peninsula; several Cyphophthalmus species and Iberosiro distylos are documented cave-dwellers. Non-cave species occur in temperate forest floor , typically in moist microhabitats under stones, logs, and leaf litter.
Distribution
Predominantly Laurasian distribution: temperate Europe (especially Balkan Peninsula, Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, Austria) and western North America (Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland). Disjunct occurrence in Japan (Suzukielus sauteri). Fossil records from Baltic amber (Neosiro balticus) and Bitterfield amber, Germany (Siro platypedibus).
Similar Taxa
- ParasiroFormerly included in Sironidae; sometimes branches basally to other sironids in molecular and has been transferred to a separate .
- StylocellidaeAnother of Cyphophthalmi with Indo-Pacific distribution; distinguished from Sironidae by geographic range and morphological features.
- PettalidaeCyphophthalmi with Gondwanan distribution (Southern Hemisphere); contrasts with Sironidae's Laurasian distribution.
More Details
Phylogenetic Uncertainty
The of Sironidae remains poorly supported using traditional Sanger-based molecular markers. Phylogenetic analyses sometimes place Parasiro and Suzukielus basally relative to a well-supported Laurentian/Laurasian clade comprising Siro, Iberosiro, Paramiopsalis, and Cyphophthalmus.
Etymology
The name derives from Siro, the Latinized form of the French name 'Ciron'.
Taxonomic History
The Marwe from Kenya is no longer included in Sironidae but has not yet been assigned to a new . Recent systematic revisions have described five new (2017) and transferred Parasiro to a separate family.