Saccarella Schönhofer & Martens, 2012 - Saccarella schilleri Schönhofer & Martens, 2012
The monotypic genus has been described upon a single series from Monte Saccarello in the south-western Alps of Italy close to the French border. Animals are superficially similar in size and general appearance to widespread Nemastoma species as dentigerum but differ significantly in male genital morphology: the penial base is divided; the glans penis is without large spines, the stylus is blunt and most conspicuously the upper part of the truncus shows longitudinal furrows extending into the glans. Animals are black without other markings; about 1.4 to 1.6 mm in size and the dorsum is covered with small tubercles. The legs show a pattern of small scales and large blunt tubercles.
Taxonomy and Discussion of Phylogenetic Relationships
The furrows of the penial truncus are unlike other stabilizing elements found in Nemastomatidae and point to an independent generic lineage (Schönhofer & Martens, 2012). Relationship can be assumed on morphological traits only. Geographic proximity and the blunt penial stylus point to Centetostoma and Nemastomella as closest relatives.
Ecology and Life History
The only available series was collected in subalpine to alpine habitats along with other faunal elements characteristic for this altitude. That the species, despite intensive biodiversity assessments, has not been recovered elsewhere points to a very narrow distribution and probably ecological constraints and conservational measurements should be considered.
References
Schönhofer, A.L., Martens, J. 2012. The enigmatic Alpine opilionid Saccarella schilleri gen. n., sp. n. (Arachnida: Nemastomatidae)—isolated systematic placement inferred from comparative genital morphology. Organisms Diversity & Evolution 12 (4): 409-419. (PDF)
Credits
Page created by Axel L. Schönhofer. Angela DiDomenico helped improve the English.
Taxonomy and Discussion of Phylogenetic Relationships
The furrows of the penial truncus are unlike other stabilizing elements found in Nemastomatidae and point to an independent generic lineage (Schönhofer & Martens, 2012). Relationship can be assumed on morphological traits only. Geographic proximity and the blunt penial stylus point to Centetostoma and Nemastomella as closest relatives.
Ecology and Life History
The only available series was collected in subalpine to alpine habitats along with other faunal elements characteristic for this altitude. That the species, despite intensive biodiversity assessments, has not been recovered elsewhere points to a very narrow distribution and probably ecological constraints and conservational measurements should be considered.
References
Schönhofer, A.L., Martens, J. 2012. The enigmatic Alpine opilionid Saccarella schilleri gen. n., sp. n. (Arachnida: Nemastomatidae)—isolated systematic placement inferred from comparative genital morphology. Organisms Diversity & Evolution 12 (4): 409-419. (PDF)
Credits
Page created by Axel L. Schönhofer. Angela DiDomenico helped improve the English.
