Unveiling the diversity of Phalangodus Gervais, 1842 (Opiliones: Cranaidae): Descriptions of four new species from Colombia

Abstract

The Cranaidae genus Phalangodus Gervais, 1842 is revisited and its species are diagnosed. An identification key for the males of Phalangodus is provided. Four Colombian species are described as new: Phalangodus briareos sp. nov. from a cave in Zapatoca, Santander department, P. cottus sp. nov. from Villavicencio, Meta department, P. gyes sp. nov. from Ibagué, Tolima department and P. kuryi sp. nov. from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena department. SEM images of the penis of Phalangodus, including the type species of the genus, P. anacosmetus Gervais, 1842, are provided for the first time. Sexual dimorphism and the morphology of stylar caps and ovipositor in Cranaidae are discussed. Additionally, we revised the geographical distribution of P. anacosmetus, including a map with the geographical records of the genus.