Phalangodidae
Phalangodidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Opiliones
- Suborder: Laniatores
- Family: Phalangodidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phalangodidae: /fəˌlæŋˈɡoʊdɪˌdiː/
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Summary
The Phalangodidae are a family of harvestmen with about 30 genera and more than 100 described species, distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. They are recognized for their unique physical characteristics, including spiny pedipalps and varying leg lengths.
Physical Characteristics
Body length ranges from less than 1 mm to about 3 mm (0.12 in). The pedipalps are armed with large spines. Most species are yellowish to orange brown, with troglobitic (cave-dwelling) species being depigmented.
Identification Tips
The family Phalangodidae can be distinguished from Phalangiidae by its spiny pedipalps and body size.
Habitat
Forests under rocks and logs, in caves.
Distribution
More than two-thirds of the species occur in the western Nearctic, especially in California with about 50 species in four endemic genera. About 10 species are known from the eastern Nearctic, few in the Palearctic, including one species in the Canary Islands and Japan, and about 20 species in the Mediterranean region.
Evolution
The family seems largely monophyletic with some exceptions; its relationship to other Grassatores is currently unresolved, but it appears relatively basal inside the Grassatores.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with the family Phalangiidae.
Tags
- Phalangodidae
- Harvestmen
- Arachnida
- Opiliones
- Biodiversity
- Holarctic