Oskoron brevichelis

Shear, 2016

Oskoron brevichelis is a harvestman in the Taracidae, described in 2016 as part of a revision establishing the new Oskoron. The genus was separated from Taracus based on morphological distinctions, with O. brevichelis distinguished from the type species O. spinosus by its relatively shorter (reflected in the species epithet 'brevichelis'). It occurs in the Pacific Northwest of North America.

Oskoron brevichelis by (c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Casey H. Richart. Used under a CC-BY license.

Identification

Distinguished from Oskoron spinosus by proportionally shorter . As a member of Taracidae, likely exhibits the characteristic of enlarged, robust chelicerae compared to other ischyropsalidoid harvestmen. Specific morphological details beyond cheliceral proportions not provided in original description.

Images

Distribution

Known from Oregon and Washington, USA. GBIF records indicate presence in Benton, Clatsop, Coos, and Douglas counties in Oregon, and Cowlitz County in Washington.

Similar Taxa

Oskoron spinosusType of Oskoron; O. brevichelis distinguished primarily by shorter
Taracus speciesFormerly classified within Taracus; Oskoron established as separate based on morphological differences

More Details

Etymology

The epithet 'brevichelis' derives from Latin 'brevis' (short) and 'chela' (claw/jaw), referring to the relatively short compared to O. spinosus.

Taxonomic History

Described in 2016 by Shear during a comprehensive revision of Taracus and establishment of the new Oskoron, which was erected to accommodate previously placed in Taracus that differed in cheliceral .