Mite-harvestmen
Guides
Cyphophthalmi
Mite Harvestmen
Cyphophthalmi is a suborder of harvestmen (Opiliones) comprising six families grouped into three infraorders: Boreophthalmi, Scopulophthalmi, and Sternophthalmi. Adults range from 1 to 7 mm in length with relatively short legs compared to other harvestmen. The suborder is characterized by unique morphological features including elevated cone-shaped ozophores, a spermatopositor instead of a true penis in males, and a completely open gonopore lacking a genital operculum. Many species are eyeless and inhabit leaf litter or caves. Cyphophthalmi represents one of two major lineages of harvestmen, with the other lineage (Phalangida) containing Laniatores, Dyspnoi, and Eupnoi.
Sironidae
Sironid Harvestmen
Sironidae is a family of Cyphophthalmi harvestmen comprising more than 60 described species. It was the first described family of the suborder Cyphophthalmi and remains among the least understood phylogenetically. The family exhibits a predominantly Laurasian distribution, with species concentrated in temperate Europe and the west coast of North America. Monophyly of the family is poorly supported with traditional molecular markers; the Mediterranean genus Parasiro and Japanese genus Suzukielus sometimes branch basally relative to other sironids.