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Family RHYNCHOTHORACIDAE Thompson, 1909

Introduction

Rhynchothoracidae are a very rare lineage of pycnogonids, usually found in interstitial habitats. Eighteen species occur amongst sediment and rubble in tropical, temperate and polar environments. Usually a single or very few specimens are known for a species. Tiny, rugose and compact, Rhynchothorax species are among the most intriguing of pycngonids. Their phylogenetic affinities are still to be thoroughly tested (see Nakamura et al. 2007).

 

Diagnosis

Size tiny, compact; integument usually pebbled, with dorsal tubercles; proboscis short, lips vertical; chelifores lacking in adults; palps 4- or 5-segmented, usually with dorsodistal tubercle; ovigers tiny, without strigilis, with recurved claw on terminal segment, 10-segmented in males, sometimes with 9 segments in females. Cement glands rarely visible, mostly unknown. Eight legs.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
12-Feb-2010 (import)