Ceratolasmatidae
Ceratolasmatidae is a of harvestmen (Opiliones) comprising eleven described across four . The family's monophyly is questionable, with three potentially distinct lineages showing affinities to different harvestman families: Ceratolasma and Acuclavella related to Ischyropsalididae, Hesperonemastoma related to Sabaconidae, and Crosbycus possibly warranting separate family status. Body sizes range from less than 1 mm to 6 mm depending on genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceratolasmatidae: //ˌsɛrətoʊˈlæzmətɪˌdi//
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Identification
Ceratolasma and Acuclavella (4–6 mm body length) have moderately short legs and short . Hesperonemastoma are smaller (1–2 mm) and resemble Old World Nemastoma. Crosbycus is the smallest (<1 mm), with long, very thin pedipalps and moderately long legs densely covered with setae, spikes, and trichomes. Generic assignment provides the primary diagnostic framework given the 's uncertain monophyly.
Habitat
Hesperonemastoma inops and H. packardi have been recorded from caves in Kentucky and Utah, respectively. Other occupy surface in forested and mountainous regions.
Distribution
Restricted to North America from California to British Columbia, with the exception of Crosbycus dasycnemus, which also occurs in China.
Similar Taxa
- IschyropsalididaeCeratolasma and Acuclavella are closely related to Ischyropsalis, sharing morphological similarities and phylogenetic affinities.
- NemastomatidaeThe name references similarity to Ortholasma and Dendrolasma (Nemastomatidae), and Hesperonemastoma resembles Old World Nemastoma.
- SabaconidaeHesperonemastoma appears more closely related to Taracus (Sabaconidae) than to other Ceratolasmatidae .
More Details
Taxonomic Uncertainty
The monophyly of Ceratolasmatidae is questionable. Crosbycus may warrant placement in its own . The three groups may represent independent lineages requiring familial reclassification.
Etymology
The Ceratolasma combines Greek keras ('horn') with the suffix -lasma, referencing similarity to Ortholasma and Dendrolasma.