| Troglosironidae | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Opiliones |
| Suborder: | Cyphophthalmi |
| Superfamily: | Sironoidea |
| Family: | Troglosironidae Shear, 1993 |
| Genus: | Troglosiro Juberthie, 1979 |
| Species | |
|
see text |
|
| Diversity | |
| 1 genus, 13 species | |
The Troglosironidae are a family of harvestmen with thirteen described species in a single genus, Troglosiro. Several species, including six undescribed ones, were collected around the island, and more are expected to be found.[1]
Molecular data suggests that the Troglosironidae are related to Neogoveidae or Sironidae, but not to Pettalidae, as was proposed earlier.[1]
Troglosiro is endemic to New Caledonia. They are eyeless, small harvestman, 2.5 mm long at the most.[2] Despite their name, they do not live exclusively in caves; several species have been found in forest litter[3].
Contents |
The name of the genus giving the family its name is a combination of Ancient Greek troglos "cave", and the harvestman genus Siro.
Six species are already named, but not yet published:[4]