Mitopus
Thorell, 1876
Species Guides
1- Mitopus morio(Saddleback Harvestman)
Mitopus is a of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the Phalangiidae, established by Thorell in 1876. The genus contains nine described distributed across northern regions including Europe, Asia, and North America. Mitopus morio, the type species, has been subject to detailed anatomical studies including ultrastructural analysis of its photoreceptors.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mitopus: /ˈmiː.toʊ.pʊs/
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Images
Distribution
of Mitopus occur in northern temperate regions: Mitopus mobilis in Japan, Mitopus dorsalis in Alaska, Mitopus ericaeus in England, Mitopus glacialis in alpine regions, Mitopus koreanus in Korea, Mitopus mongolicus in Mongolia, Mitopus morio across Europe, Mitopus obliquus in the Alps and Greece, and Mitopus projectus in Oregon. GBIF records additionally indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont, USA.
More Details
Photoreceptor ultrastructure
Mitopus morio possesses with a hexagonal retinal array. Each contains a approximately 40 μm long and 4–6 μm in diameter, formed by microvilli from four surrounding retinula . rhabdom fusion creates a rhabdom network. The dioptric apparatus consists of a single lens above a glassy body of lentigen cells. Retinula cells contain acetylcholinesterase-positive vesicles, suggesting cholinergic involvement in phototransduction.