Fissiphallius Explained

The Fissiphalliidae are a small monotypic neotropical family of harvestmen within the suborder Laniatores, superfamily Zalmoxoidea. It contains only the single genus Fissiphallius Martens, 1988 with seven described species (as of 2023). All species are found in the South America.

Name

The name of the type genus is combined from Latin fissus "split" and Ancient Greek phallos "penis".

Description

Fissiphallius are about two to three millimeters long, with legs ranging from three to almost nine mm. The color ranges from yellowish to pale brownish, sometimes with stripes or dots.

Distribution

Fissiphallius have been found in Colombia (e.g. around Bogotá) at elevations of about 3,500 meters, and in lowlands of central and eastern Amazon Rainforest.

Species

These species belong to the genus Fissiphallius:

Relationships

Fissiphalliidae could form a monophyletic group with Zalmoxidae, or even be a group within them.

Further reading