Megacina
Ubick & Briggs, 2008
Species Guides
2- Megacina cockerelli(armoured harvestman)
- Megacina schusteri
Megacina is a of armoured harvestmen in the Phalangodidae, established by Ubick & Briggs in 2008. The genus contains at least four described , all found in western North America. These species are characterized by heavily sclerotized body armor typical of the family. The genus was erected based on morphological distinctions from related phalangodid genera.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megacina: /ˈmɛɡəsɪnə/
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Identification
Megacina can be distinguished from other Phalangodidae by specific combinations of tarsal and genital characters described in the original 2008 generic . The genus name refers to the enlarged, heavily armored body form. Species-level identification requires examination of male genitalia and tarsal segmentation patterns.
Images
Habitat
in this inhabit cave and deep crevice environments in limestone and volcanic rock formations. Megacina madera and Megacina mayacma are known from cave systems in the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges of California. These are characterized by stable temperature, high humidity, and absence of light.
Distribution
Western North America, specifically California and adjacent regions. Documented from the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges, and associated mountain systems. The four described have restricted, non-overlapping geographic ranges within this region.
Human Relevance
Megacina are of interest to cave biologists and conservationists due to their restricted distributions in sensitive karst . Some occur in caves with recreational or management access, potentially subject to disturbance.
Similar Taxa
- BanksulaAnother of Phalangodidae with cave-dwelling in western North America; distinguished by different tarsal formula and male genital
- CalicinaRelated phalangodid in the same region; Megacina separated by body size, armor development, and specific leg segment proportions
More Details
Type species
Megacina cockerelli (C.J. Goodnight & M.L. Goodnight, 1942), originally described as Banksula cockerelli
Etymology
From Greek 'mega-' (large, great) and the suffix '-cina' (referring to the related Calicina), alluding to the larger body size relative to similar genera