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

Abstract

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 Wrst 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 Wrst 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.

Ultrastructure of the sexually dimorphic basitarsal glands of leg i in manaosbiid harvestmen (opiliones, laniatores)

“…In cyphophthalmid harvestmen, some examples include the tarsal glands on leg IV associated with the adenostyle found in most families (Martens,1979, Shear,1993) and the anal or sternal pore glands found in males of all cyphophthalmid families (Pinto‐da‐Rocha and Giribet,2007). Other sexually dimorphic structures are described for cyphophthalmid harvestmen but are generally known only for individual genera or species (see review in Willemart and Giribet,2010). In several Dyspnoi taxa, males possess sexually dimorphic cheliceral glands from which females obtain a secretion before or during copulation (Martens,1969,1973; Martens and Schawaller,1977).…”

Survey of cuticular structures on leg IV of cosmetid harvestmen (Opiliones: Laniatores: Gonyleptoidea)

“…For the cosmetid species, we used image analysis software (PC SEM, Hitachi Technologies) to measure the diameter and length of most cuticular structures. Terminology used to describe cuticular structures (i.e., setae, slit sensilla, tubercles) follow the morphological descriptions of Willemart et al (2007Willemart et al ( , 2009a, and Willemart & Giribet (2010).…”

Do sexually dimorphic glands in the harvestman Gryne perlata (Arachnida: Opiliones) release contact pheromones during mating?

“…Sexual recognition seems to be mediated by contact with any part of their body (Willemart et al, 2009a) and possibly mediated by cuticular hydrocarbons, but this has never been tested. Some males of Cyphophthalmi have sexually dimorphic glands of unknown function on legs IV (Willemart & Giribet, 2010) and their opisthosoma (Sharma & Giribet, 2005). Some males in Eupnoi have glands on their genitalia (Macías-Ordóñez et al, 2010) and males in some Dyspnoi have glands on their chelicerae (Martens, 1969(Martens, , 1973.…”