Oskoron spinosus
(Banks, 1894)
Oskoron spinosus is a harvestman (order Opiliones) and the type of the Oskoron, established to accommodate this species and two close relatives distinct from the genus Taracus. Originally described as Taracus spinosus by Banks in 1894, it was later treated as Taracus malkini before being synonymized and transferred to the new genus Oskoron. It belongs to the Taracidae within the superfamily Ischyropsalidoidea.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oskoron spinosus: /ˌɒs.kɔːˈɹɒn spɪˈnoʊ.səs/
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Identification
Distinguished from Taracus by morphological features that warranted its placement in the separate Oskoron; specific diagnostic characters include cheliceral and body detailed in the original generic description. The specific epithet 'spinosus' suggests spinose or spiny features, though exact nature of these spines is not specified in available sources.
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Distribution
Western North America. Documented from California counties including Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Mariposa, and Mendocino. The Oskoron has also been recorded from Oregon and Washington.
Similar Taxa
- Taracus speciesPreviously classified within Taracus; separated based on morphological differences in and body structure. Oskoron is distinguished as a distinct within the same Taracidae.
- Oskoron brevichelisCongeneric described from Oregon and Washington; distinguished by cheliceral (shorter , as indicated by the specific epithet).
- Oskoron crawfordiCongeneric from Washington; distinguished by morphological features described in the original generic revision.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Taracus spinosus by Banks in 1894. Goodnight & Goodnight described Taracus malkini in 1945, which was later synonymized with O. spinosus. The was designated as type species when the new Oskoron was erected in 2016.
Generic Placement
The Oskoron was established based on morphological distinctions from Taracus, supporting the Taracidae as proposed by Schönhofer (2013) for Taracus, Hesperonemastoma, and Crosbycus.