An Enigmatic European Harvestman (Opiliones): New Record and Redescription of Dicranopalpus larvatus (Canestrini, 1874)

Abstract

Dicranopalpus larvatus is redescribed based on type material. Recent first findings of this rare species on Sardinia enable to provide the essential morphological characters. Original drawings are presented with emphasis on penial and pedipalpal morphology. Dicranopalpus larvatus is a small, short-legged, ground-dwelling species endemic to Italy that matures in autumn and winter and has completed its life cycle in April. Additional information on phenology, life cycle, ecology, distribution and systematic position is given.