Iocheirata
Harvey, 1992
Iocheirata is a suborder of ( Pseudoscorpiones) established by Harvey in 1992. It represents one of two major lineages within the order, distinguished by the presence of glands in the pedipalpal . The suborder encompasses the majority of pseudoscorpion diversity, containing numerous distributed worldwide. Iocheirata pseudoscorpions are small , generally under 5 mm in body length, that inhabit a variety of terrestrial microhabitats.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Iocheirata: //aɪ.oʊˈkaɪ.rə.tə//
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Identification
Iocheirata is distinguished from the other suborder, Epiocheirata, by the presence of a apparatus in the movable finger of the . This venom gland opens through a duct near the tip of the finger, a feature absent in Epiocheirata. Members of Iocheirata also exhibit diverse chelal formulas and setation patterns that vary among constituent . The suborder lacks the reduced trichobothrial patterns characteristic of some Epiocheirata lineages.
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Distribution
. Iocheirata occurs on all continents except Antarctica, with representatives in tropical, temperate, and arid regions. Distribution patterns vary considerably among constituent , with some groups showing Gondwanan distributions and others being more widespread.
Similar Taxa
- EpiocheirataThe other suborder of Pseudoscorpiones, distinguished by the absence of glands in the and generally more reduced trichobothrial patterns on the .
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Systematic history
Harvey (1992) established Iocheirata to accommodate the -gland-bearing , previously treated as the 'venomous' or 'normal' group in contrast to the venomless Epiocheirata. The suborder has been consistently supported in subsequent phylogenetic analyses based on morphological and molecular data.