Nemastomatidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Opiliones
Suborder: Dyspnoi
Superfamily: Troguloidea
Family: Nemastomatidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nemastomatidae: //nɛməsˈtoʊmətəˌdeɪ//

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Summary

The Nemastomatidae are a family of harvestmen with about 170 described species in 16 recent genera. They exhibit a wide distribution, particularly in forested habitats. Notable genera include Dendrolasma and Ortholasma, which have unique morphological features.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the Nemastomatidae range in body length from about one to almost six millimeters. Their chelicerae are of normal proportions, but the pedipalps are very elongated and thin in some groups. Leg length is likewise variable.

Identification Tips

Dendrolasma and Ortholasma have distinctive 'cephalic hoods' which extend forward from the carapace. These taxa also have ornate cuticular sculpturing on the dorsal abdomen.

Habitat

Forests, mostly under woody debris.

Distribution

The Nemastomatidae are divided into two subfamilies: Ortholasmatinae (occur on both sides of the Pacific Ocean: western North America from Alaska and British Columbia to Mexico and possibly Honduras, and also eastern Asia - China, Japan Thailand, and Vietnam) and Nemastomatinae (occur across Europe and near, including Iceland and the Caucasus, plus in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, and some species found in Central Asia and the Himalayas).

Evolution

The Nemastomatidae are probably a sister group to the Dicranolasmatidae and Trogulidae. Unlike some related currently recognized families, the Nemastomatidae are monophyletic.