Monoscutidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monoscutidae |
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| Pantopsalis listeri | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Eupnoi
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Phalangioidea
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Monoscutidae
Forster, 1948
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| Diversity | |
| 5 genera, 32 species | |
The Monoscutidae are a family of harvestmen. These fascinating creatures are also known as "daddy longlegs." There are 32 known types, or species, in this family. You can find all of them living in or near Australia and New Zealand.
These harvestmen are quite small. Their bodies can be anywhere from two to ten millimeters long. That's about the size of a small pea or a large ant! Male harvestmen from the Megalopsalidinae group have very large chelicerae. These are like mouthparts that look a bit like pincers.
Most Monoscutidae harvestmen are colored in shades of brown or black. However, some are more colorful. For example, Megalopsalis inconstans is jet black with bright orange spots on its back. Another one, Acihasta salebrosa, is tan and brown with many white and gold specks.
The Monoscutidae family is closely related to another group called the Neopilionidae. Both of these harvestmen families live in the Southern Hemisphere.
Contents
Types of Monoscutidae Harvestmen
The Monoscutidae family is divided into different groups. Scientists use these groups to organize and understand all the different species. There are two main subfamilies: Megalopsalidinae and Monoscutinae.
Megalopsalidinae Subfamily
This group includes several different types, or genera, of harvestmen.
Megalopsalis Harvestmen
- Megalopsalis serritarsus is the main type for this group. It lives in New South Wales, Australia.
- Many Megalopsalis species live in New Zealand, such as Megalopsalis chiltoni and Megalopsalis inconstans.
- Some species, like Megalopsalis distincta, are found on specific islands, such as Auckland Island in New Zealand.
Pantopsalis Harvestmen
- Pantopsalis listeri is a key species in this group, found in New Zealand.
- Other Pantopsalis species also live in New Zealand. These include Pantopsalis albipalpis and Pantopsalis cheliferoides.
- Some, like Pantopsalis johnsi, are found on islands like Auckland Island.
Spinicrus Harvestmen
- Spinicrus tasmanicum is an important species in this group, found in Tasmania, Australia.
- Other Spinicrus species live in different parts of Australia, like Spinicrus camelus in New South Wales and Spinicrus continentalis in Queensland.
- Some are found in Western Australia, such as Spinicrus minimum.
Monoscutinae Subfamily
This is the second main group of Monoscutidae harvestmen.
Acihasta Harvestmen
- Acihasta salebrosa is the only known species in this group. It lives on the Three Kings Islands in New Zealand.
Monoscutum Harvestmen
- Monoscutum titirangiensis is the only known species in this group. It lives in New Zealand.
Templar Harvestmen
- Templar incongruens is the only known species in this group. It also lives in New Zealand.
See also
In Spanish: Neopiliónidos para niños
