The name of the type genus Phalangodes is derived from Ancient Greekφάλαγξ (phalanx), a line of soldiers in formation. This probably refers to the rows of pedipalpal spines.[1]
Description
Body length ranges from less than 1 mm to about 3 mm (0.12 in). The pedipalps are armed with large spines. While some species have legs eight times the body length, others have shorter legs around twice the body length. Most species are yellowish to orange brown. Troglobitic (cave-dwelling) species are depigmented.[1]
Distribution
More than two-thirds of the species occur in the western Nearctic, especially in California] with about 50 species in four endemic genera. About 10 species are known from the eastern Nearctic. Few occur in the Palearctic, with one species each in the Canary Islands and Japan, and about 20 species in the Mediterranean region.[1]
Relationships
The family seems to be largely monophyletic, with the exceptions of a few genera such as Guerrobunus and Glennhuntia. Although the relationship of the Phalangodidae to other Grassatores is currently unresolved, the family seems relatively basal inside the Grassatores.[1]
Undulus C.J. Goodnight & M.L. Goodnight, 1942 i c g b — Alabama (one species)
Wespus C.J. Goodnight & M.L. Goodnight, 1942 i c g b — Arkansas (one species)
Data sources: i = ITIS,[4] c = Catalogue of Life,[5] g = GBIF,[6] b = Bugguide.net[7]
References
^ abcdDarrell Ubick (2007). "Phalangodidae Simon, 1879". In R. Pinto-da-Rocha, G. Machado & G. Giribet (ed.). Harvestmen - The Biology of Opiliones. Harvard University Press. pp. 217–221. ISBN978-0-674-02343-7.
