The taxonomical status and diversity of balkan sironids (Opiliones, Cyphophthalmi) with descriptions of twelve new species

Abstract

The resurrected genus Cyphophthalmus is defined morphoanatomically and its relationship with the genus Siro, from which it has been separated, is discussed. The genus Tranteeva is synonymized with Cyphophthalmus. Twelve new species are here described: Cyphophthalmus paragamiani, Cyphophthalmus thracicus, Cyphophthalmus gordani, Cyphophthalmus neretvanus, Cyphophthalmus kratochvili, Cyphophthalmus conocephalus, Cyphophthalmus trebinjanus, Cyphophthalmus ognjenovici, Cyphophthalmus martensi, Cyphophthalmus rumijae, Cyphophthalmus zetae, Cyphophthalmus hlavaci, two re-described: Cyphophthalmus minutus and Cyphophthalmus corfuanus, and for C. corfuanus, Cyphophthalmus bithynicus, and Cyphophthalmus yalovensis a new status is given. Relevant taxonomic characters are reviewed to illustrate the diversity of Balkan sironids. Phyletic relationships amongst species are reviewed and discussed. The results provide the basis for discussion on the relevance of minute morphological differences in the taxonomy of Cyphophthalmi. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London.