Rilaena triangularis explained

Rilaena triangularis is a species of the harvestman family Phalangiidae.^[1] It is sometimes considered to be in the genus Paraplatybunus, in the subfamily Platybuninae.

Description

Rilaena triangularis is a harvestman that lives across Europe. This species was first described by Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Herbst in 1799, initially as Phalangium triangularis. It was later renamed through recombination.^[2]

Chemical defense

When disturbed, Rilaena triangularis emits a strong-smelling secretion as a chemical defense. This fluid contains 1,4-benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone and caprylic acid.

Range

Occurrences of Rilaena triangularis have been recorded and aggregated in GBIF across Europe, with the exception of Spain and Portugal. It has also been observed in north-west and north-east corners of the United States.^[3]

Habitat

The species thrives in forests, floodplain forests and fens.^{[4] [5]}

Notes and References

1. Raspotnig, G., Schaider, M., Föttinger, P., Leutgeb, V., & Komposch, C. (2015). Benzoquinones from scent glands of phalangiid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Eupnoi): a lesson from Rilaena triangularis. Chemoecology, 25(2), 63–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00049-014-0177-y
2. Adriano Brilhante Kury "Opilionological Record – a chronicle of harvestman taxonomy. Part 1: 1758–1804," The Journal of Arachnology, 38(3), 521-529, (1 December 2010)
3. Rilaena triangularis Herbst, 1799 in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 2020-06-14.
4. Martens J. Spinnentiere, Arachnida. Weberknechte, Opiliones. Die Tierwelt Deutschlands, 64. Teil. Jena: Gustav Fischer Verlag; 1978. p. 449.
5. Komposch C, Gruber J. Die Weberknechte Österreichs (Arachnida: Opiliones) Denisia. 2004;14:485–534.