Phalangiidae
Phalangiidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Opiliones
- Suborder: Eupnoi
- Superfamily: Phalangioidea
- Family: Phalangiidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phalangiidae: /fəˈlænjiiːdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Phalangiidae, commonly known as daddy-long-legs or harvestmen, are a family of arachnids distinguished by their long legs and unique bent genital morphology in males. They inhabit various ecosystems across North America, playing a vital role in their environments.
Physical Characteristics
Adult males have a unique bent genital morphology. The dorsal surface of the body is typically ornamented with small spikes. Each pedipalp ends in a smooth claw rather than a toothed one.
Identification Tips
Can be identified by the presence of a bent penis in males and the smooth claws on the tarsi of pedipalps. Differentiated from the harvestman family Phalangodidae by their distinct morphological features.
Habitat
Widespread throughout various habitats in the United States and Canada, often found in forested regions, grasslands, and damp environments.
Distribution
Found primarily in the United States and Canada. Native genera include Leptobunus and Liopilio in the west and Odiellus in the east.
Diet
Predominantly omnivorous, feeding on small insects, fungi, and decaying organic matter.
Life Cycle
Lifecycle details are typically unexamined; however, they undergo a series of molts from juvenile to adulthood, similar to other arachnids.
Reproduction
Reproduction involves copulation, where the male uses his bent genitalia to transfer sperm to the female. Eggs are laid in a protective environment, often in soil or leaf litter.
Ecosystem Role
As scavengers, they play a role in the decomposition process and nutrient cycling within their ecosystems.
Collecting Methods
- Light trapping
- Hand collecting in vegetation
- Using pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying specimens
- Tagging and labeling for reference
Evolution
The Phalangiidae family exhibits considerable evolutionary diversity with around 380 known species, showcasing adaptations to various environments across the globe.
Similar Taxa
- Phalangodidae
- Sclerosomatidae
- Gagrellidae
Misconceptions
Often confused with spiders or thought to be venomous, which is inaccurate as they do not pose threats to humans and are not classified as true spiders.
Tags
- arachnid
- harvestman
- Phalangiidae
- daddy-long-legs
- biodiversity