A scanning electron microscopic survey of the cuticle in Cyphophthalmi (Arachnida, Opiliones) with the description of novel sensory and glandular structures

Autor(es)

Willemart, Rodrigo H. ^[1] ; Giribet, Gonzalo ^{[2, 3]}

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Escola Artes Ciencias & Humanidades, BR-03828000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Harvard Univ, Museum Comparat Zool, Cambridge, MA 02138 - USA

^[3] Harvard Univ, Dept Organism & Evolutionary Biol, Cambridge, MA 02138 - USA

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ZOOMORPHOLOGY; v. 129, n. 3, p. 175-183, AUG 2010.
• Citações Web of Science: 14

Resumo

The cuticular surfaces of Cyphophthalmi (Opiliones) were studied in detail, covering a wide range of their taxonomic diversity. Previously unknown structures are described, including a sexually dimorphic row of spines and glandular openings on leg I of Fangensis cavernarum. Scanning electron micrographs of the prosomal paired hairs and the subapical process are provided for the first time. Evidence for the multi-pored nature of the shaft of solenidia as well as the hollowed nature and absence of wall pores of sensilla chaetica are also shown for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. The prosomal paired hairs may constitute a novel autapomorphy for Cyphophthalmi, as they are absent in all studied members of the other species of Opiliones. Finally, the variation in shape of some of the structures examined may be of great taxonomic value. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 03/02557-0 - As capacidades sensoriais de opiliões (Arachnida, Opiliones): uma abordagem morfológica e comportamental
• Beneficiário: Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto