External morphology of the male harvestman Phalangium opilio (Arachnida : Opiliones)

Abstract

In opilionids, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies are necessary to identify the characters of taxonomic and systematic importance. Such studies are needed especially for understanding the functional anatomy and morphology of opilionids. in Turkey, Phalangium opilio L., Phalangium pareissi Roewer, Phalangium punctipes (L. Koch), Phalangium savignyi Audouin, and Phalangium strandi Nosek are known. There are no SEM studies on P. opilio. In this study, cuticular setae, hairs, and denticles on the segments of legs, pedipalpus, and chelicerae of P. opilio are described. Also, the description and SEM pictures of the dorsal integument and articulations, chelicerae, pedipalpus, and legs of the male specimens are given. Some of these structures will probably prove to be of diagnostic value for P. opilio.