Abstract

CRUZ-LOPEZ, Jesús A.  and  FRANCKE, Oscar F.. Three new harvestman species of the genus Philora (Opiliones: Gonyleptoidea: Stygnopsidae) with comments on troglomorphisms. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2016, vol.87, n.2, pp.328-336. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmb.2016.02.004.

Three new species of the genus Philora are described: Philora izel sp. nov., Philora mazateca sp. nov. and Philora nympha sp. nov. Two of these, P. izel and P. nympha exhibit remarkable troglomorphisms (adaptations to life in caves), such as depigmentation, absence of eyes and elongation of appendages. These conditions are discussed and their ocurrence is compared with the other 3 species of the genus that do not exhibit troglomorphisms. A dichotomic key to identify the 5 known species of the genus is provided.

Keywords : Laniatores; Diversity; Taxonomy; Troglomorphisms.