Six species of harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones) are documented from the Eocene Rovno amber in Uk... more Six species of harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones) are documented from the Eocene Rovno amber in Ukraine. From the suborder Eupnoi we record Caddo dentipalpus (C. L. Koch & Berendt, 1854) (Caddidae), Amilenus deltshevi Dunlop & Mitov, 2009 (Phalangiidae) and Dicranopalpus ramiger (C. L. Koch & Berendt, 1854) (family incertae sedis). To these we add a new phalangiid, Metaphalangium martensi sp. n., which is the oldest representative of the Recent genus Metaphalangium Roewer, 1911 and new genus for the amber fauna. From Dyspnoi we record Sabacon claviger (Menge, 1854) (Sabaconidae) and propose Parahistricostoma gen. n. (Nemastomatidae), to accommodate Nemastoma tuberculatum C. L. Koch & Berendt, 1854, yielding Parahistricostoma tuberculatum (C. L. Koch & Berendt, 1854) comb. n. The Rovno harvestman fauna is briefly compared to both Baltic and Bitterfeld amber. The fossil species, C. dentipalpus, A. deltshevi, D. ramiger and P. tuberculatum occur in all three ambers, and S. claviger is found in Baltic and Rovno amber. The only genus and species unique to Rovno amber is thus our new taxon M. martensi. The composition of the Rovno opilionid fauna is discussed in the context of late Eocene palaeoenvironment and ecological preferences and the fossils are compared to the distribution of extant harvestman taxa. The oribatid mite Platyliodes ensigerus Sellnick, 1919 (Acari: Neoliodidae) is reported from Rovno amber for the first time.
Egaenus marenzelleri Nosek, 1905 is redescribed and transferred to the genus Graecophalangium Roe... more Egaenus marenzelleri Nosek, 1905 is redescribed and transferred to the genus Graecophalangium Roewer, 1923 as Graecophalangium marenzelleri, comb. n. This species is also the first representative of its genus for the Turkish fauna. Male external and genital morphology of this species is illustrated for the first time.
<i> Mitostoma gruberi</i> sp. n. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: F6F51FD0-9D10-4094-975F-3C... more <i> Mitostoma gruberi</i> sp. n. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: F6F51FD0-9D10-4094-975F-3C202B48BDB9 Figs 3, 9<b> Material.</b> MfN, MB.A. 1654. Bitterfeld amber. Probably from the site of the Goitsche Open Cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Diagnosis.</b> Fossil<i> Mitostoma</i> with a specific form of the apophysis on the first cheliceral segment and specific form of the palpal tarsal segment.<b> Etymology.</b> In honour of Dr Jürgen Gruber ( Vienna) in recognition of his extensive studies on harvestmen, and nemastomatids in particular.<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1654 comprises a well-preserved body and pedipalps in lateral view, with a number of slightly disarticulated leg femora. Body length, 1.5 mm. Ocular tubercle distinct, eye diameter 0.20 mm. Opisthosoma with hints of segmentation and slight tuberculation on the dorsal surface towards the posterior half of the body. Chelicerae largely obscured, but dorsal part of first segment appears inflated forming an apophysis whose form is close to that of the Italian endemic<i> Mitostoma orobicum</i> ( Caporiacco, 1949) (see Tedeschi and Sciaky 1997: fig. 11). Pedipalps long and slender, article lengths in mm: trochanter, 0.27; femur, 1.42; patella, 1.63; tibia, 0.80; tarsus, 0.48. Tarsus slightly swollen at its distal end. Pedipalps setose, many palpal setae, particularly towards the distal end, with rounded tips (i.e. clavate setae). Trochanters of legs oval, femora long and slender, but more distal parts of the legs equivocal. Femora with scattering of short, thorn-like spines and one femur (femur 4?) with at least three short pseudoannulations, beginning about 0.8 mm along its length.<b> Remarks.</b> This fossil can be assigned to<i> Mitostoma</i>, as opposed to<i> Nemastoma</i> C. L. Koch, 1836, on the basis of the proportions of the pedipalp articles, while the cheliceral apophysis indicates a male specimen. Whether it is juvenile or adult is less clear, but strong parallels can be drawn with the widespread Euro [...]
<i> Caddo dentipalpus</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 10-14<b> Synonym... more <i> Caddo dentipalpus</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 10-14<b> Synonymy.</b> See Dunlop (2006, p. 169).<b> Holotype.</b> MfN, Berendt collection nr. 7340, redescribed by Dunlop (2006), from Baltic amber (Palaeogene, Eocene); precise locality unclear.<b> Additional material.</b> MfN, MB.A. 1655 (also bears the label "Ser. 12/13") and MB.A. 1656 (also bears the label "Ser. 8"), from Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1655 (Figs 10, 12) is a relatively complete specimen in lateral view. Body compact, length ca. 1.5 mm. Prosoma dominated dorsally by massive, oval eyes, maximum width 0.58 mm, in the form of a bilobed ocular tubercle. Further details of carapace morphology concealed beneath eyes. Chelicerae and sternal region cannot be seen. Pedipalps stout, femur particularly robust with at least eleven stout setae on the inferior lateral surface opposing the more distal articles. Femoral dentition equivocal in this specimen. Palpal article lengths (in mm): femur, 0.46; patella, 0.40; tibia, 0.23; tarsus 0.42. Some setal positions on femur revealed as sockets only. More distal palpal articles also setose; tarsus ends in a single, gently curving claw. All legs elongate and slender, femora and patellae sometimes with a short, stout seta near the distal end; patella noticeably shorter than adjacent articles. Right legs 1, 2 and probably 4 relatively complete. Articles of leg 2 noticeably longer than corresponding articles of leg 1, e.g. patellae 0.26. and 0.29 mm, tibiae 1.02 and 1.29 mm and metatarsi 1.36 and 1.91 mm respectively. Right leg 1 ends in a distally annulate tarsus with at least 11 annulations; distal annulus bears a single, hook-shaped claw. Left leg 3 relatively complete, other legs on left side truncated. A disarticulated leg fragment, probably a distal region bearing an annulate tarsus, crosses the distal part of left leg 3. Opisthosoma covered dorsally with a sh [...]
<i> Dicranopalpus ramiger</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 15-19<b> Syn... more <i> Dicranopalpus ramiger</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 15-19<b> Synonymy.</b> See Dunlop (2006: 170).<b> Holotype.</b> MfN, Berendt collection, repository number 7250, from Baltic amber (Palaeogene, Eocene); precise locality unclear.<b> Additional material.</b> MfN, MB.A. 1657 (also bears label "Ser. 12/14) and MB.A. 1658 (also bears label "Ser. 8"), from Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1657 (Figs 15, 17) is a fairly complete specimen in dorsal view. Body oval to quadrate, length 1.22 mm, maximum width 0.90 mm. Prosoma with semicircular propeltidium bearing ocularium; length 0.125 mm, width 0.325 mm, distance from ocular tubercle to the front of prosoma 0.1 mm. Opisthosoma with hints of weak segmentation, largely obscured by an imperfection in the matrix. Chelicerae indistinct, as are proximal articles of pedipalp. Patella of pedipalp, length 0.18 mm, with characteristic<i> Dicranopalpus</i> setose apophysis on mesal side, length 0.25 mm, extending about three-quarters of the way down the adjacent tibia. Tibia of pedipalp with length 0.27 mm, terminating in a further blunt, short setose apophysis. Pedipalpal tarsus widens slightly distally and ends in a single claw. Legs long and slen- der, but full lengths not preserved. Leg 2 longest, at least 8.6 mm. Measurable articles preserved in their entirety are (in mm) as follows. Leg 1: femur, 1.05; patella, 0.29; tibia, 1.02. Leg 2: femur, 2.24; patella, 0.33; tibia, 2.37. Leg 3: femur, 1.04; patella, 0.25; tibia 0.92. Ventral surface of the body not visible. MB.A 1658 (Figs 16, 18-19) is a fairly complete specimen in dorsal view. Body oval and compact, length 1.32 mm. Prosoma with semicircular propeltidium, length 0.44 mm, dominated by prominent, heart-shaped ocularium, length 0.20, width 0.225, distance from ocular tubercle to front of prosoma 0.1 mm. Ocular tubercle bears multiple short, forward-pointing setae in a ba [...]
¡<i> Histricostoma tuberculatum</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 1-2, 6-8<... more ¡<i> Histricostoma tuberculatum</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 1-2, 6-8<b> Synonymy.</b> See Dunlop (2006, p. 179).<b> Holotype.</b> MfN, Berendt collection, repository nr. 7248, redescribed by Dunlop (2006), from Baltic amber (Palaeogene, Eocene); precise locality unclear.<b> Additional material.</b> MfN, MB.A. 1652 (also bears a label "Ser. 8/11") and MB.A. 1653. Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1652 (Figs 1, 6) is a fairly complete specimen in dorsal view. Body compact, smoothly oval, length 1.48 mm; maximum width ca. 1.0 mm. Prosoma and opisthosoma completely fused together with little or no evidence of tagmosis between these body regions, of divisions of the prosomal dorsal shield and/ or of opisthosomal segmentation. Ocular tubercle flattened, diameter of each lens c. 0.1 mm. Slight bilobation to the anterior margin of the prosomal dorsal shield. Basal article of chelicera projects forwards, maximum length 0.26 mm, more distal articles largely tucked under body obscuring details, but quite setose on their anterior margin. Basal article distally with a globular and setose apophysis (Fig. 7). Pedipalps elongate and slender. Palpal coxae project forwards up to 0.19 mm. Subsequent articles with lengths (in mm) of trochanter, 0.28; femur, 0.85; patella, 0.70; tibia, 0.78; tarsus, 0.33; giving a total post-coxal length of 2.94. Palpal trochanter oval, bearing numerous very short setae. Femur longer, curving mesally slightly and widening distally, and with longer inward-pointing setae; especially on the mesal surface. Patella and tibia also with some longer setae. Tarsus slightly swollen and quite densely setose. Leg 1 almost complete, other legs attached to body as femora only; with leg 4 quite poorly preserved. Leg 1 article lengths (in mm): trochanter, 0.22; femur, 1.59; patella, 0.26; tibia, 0.69; metatarsus, 1.50; tarsus at least 0.56. Tarsus with at least one long [...]
<i> Amilenus deltshevi</i> sp. n. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: FE124EB4-D388-4C05-B1F4-B... more <i> Amilenus deltshevi</i> sp. n. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: FE124EB4-D388-4C05-B1F4-B648AC935329 Figs 20-21, 23-26<b> Holotype</b>. MB. A 1659. Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche opencast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Additional material.</b> MB.A. 1660 ( paratype). From the same locality as the holotype.<b> Diagnosis.</b> Fossil<i> Amilenus</i> species with a distinct form of the apophysis on the pedipalpal patella.<b> Etymology.</b> In honour of Prof. Christo Deltshev ( Sofia) in recognition of his extensive contributions to arachnology and on the occasion of his 70 th birthday.<b> Description.</b> The holotype (MB.A. 1659, Figs 20, 23-24) is an almost complete specimen in lateral view. Body ovoid, length ca. 0.8 mm; details of body, ocular tubercle and mouthparts equivocal. Pedipalps well-preserved, with article lengths (in mm) of: femur, 0.21; patella, 0.14; tibia, 0.16; tarsus, 0.4. Patella with a distinct, bluntly- pointed, mesal apophysis bearing a number of stout spines. Tibia slightly inflated distally and also bearing stout mesal spines in this distal region. Tarsus slightly expanded distally; apotele present as a short, curving, distal claw. Legs relatively complete; all elongate and slender, and when preserved at their full length ending in a single, claw like apotele. Leg 1 with article lengths in (mm) of: femur, 0.56; patella, 0.19, tibia, 0.47; metatarsus and tarsus (boundary indistinct) 1.75. Leg 2 with article lengths in (mm) of: femur, 1.19; patella, 0.22; tibia 1.72, metatarsus and tarsus (boundary indistinct) at least 1.47, but full length not preserved. Leg 3 less completely known, patella 1.1 mm; tibia 0.58 mm. Leg 4 with article length in mm of: femur c. 0.8; patella, 0.19; tibia, 0.75, metatarsus and tarsus (boundary indistinct), 3.0. The paratype MB.A. 1660 (Figs 21, 25-26) is an almost complete specimen best seen in dorsal view, but missing the second pair of legs and the dorsal surface of the opisthosoma. Body o [...]
<i> Leiobunum longipes</i> Menge, 1854 Figs 30, 33<b> Synonymy.</b> See D... more <i> Leiobunum longipes</i> Menge, 1854 Figs 30, 33<b> Synonymy.</b> See Dunlop (2006, pp. 172-173).<b> Holotype.</b> Probably originally in Danzig (= Gdańsk, Poland), current whereabouts unknown (see also Dunlop 2006), from Baltic amber ( Palaeogene, Eocene); precise locality unclear.<b> Additional material.</b> MB.A. 1662 (series 15/10, provisionally labelled "Gyantinae cf.<i> Amilenus</i> " but not in fact referable to this genus; see above), probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1656 (Figs 30, 33) is an almost complete specimen of a fairly large harvestman in dorsal view. Body length: 2.1 mm; width of prosoma and opisthosoma 1.3 mm. Carapace procurved anteriorly, with clear division into promeso- and metapeltidium, and centrally located ocular tubercle. Length of ocularium 0.225 mm, width 0.275 mm, distance from ocular tubercle to front of prosoma 0.25 mm. Opisthosoma covered by scutum parvum bearing in places slightly granular ornament; posterior region and any segmentation here obscure. Body covered with small black dots and a subcuticular, silvery pigment. Chelicerae equivocal. Pedipalps short and pediform, but details lacking. Legs relatively complete, at least proximally, elongate and slender. Leg 1 femur length 1.83 mm, patella, 0.24. Leg 2 only known from incomplete femora. Leg 3 complete with podomere lengths (in mm) of femur, 1.79; patella, 0.45; tibia, 1.52; metatarsus, 1.86, tarsus, 3.20. Tarsus divided into 24 individual elements, becoming shorter distally, and ending in a single claw (apotele). Leg 4 only known from incomplete femora.<b> Remarks.</b><i> Leiobunum longipes</i> Menge, 1854 is present in both Baltic and Bitterfeld amber. Apparently quite common in Baltic amber ( Staręga 2002), this fossil is fairly large compared to the other Bitterfeld finds. Nevertheless, it is probably still only a juvenile, although we see nothing which differentiates it from the species known fro [...]
¡<i> Lacinius erinaceus</i> Staręga, 1966 Figs 27, 31-32<b> Material.</b>... more ¡<i> Lacinius erinaceus</i> Staręga, 1966 Figs 27, 31-32<b> Material.</b> MB.A. 1661 (also bears the label "Ser. 12/12"), from Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> An almost complete, juvenile specimen (Figs 27, 31-32) in anterolateral view, obscured in places by bubbles within the matrix. Body compact, length c. 1.75 mm, maximum width of prosoma 1.20, of opisthosoma 1.25. Division into pro- and opisthosoma, and any sclerites making up the prosomal dorsal shield, poorly resolved. Ocular tubercle pronounced, width 0.33 mm, bearing seven spines; immediately in front of it three fairly prominent spines present. Further, generally smaller, spines located behind the ocular tubercle. Anterior margin of prosomal dorsal shield slightly recurved to accommodate the chelicerae. Proximal article only of chelicerae preserved, lacking details. Pedipalps short and robust, again proximal articles only preserved. Right (?)patella of pedipalp with at least three denticle-like spines. Legs relatively short. Femur, patella and tibia quite robust, compared to the more slender distal articles, and heavily ornamented with rows of thorns. Each row can be up to ten thorns on the tibiae. Thorns take the form of conical, sometimes slightly curving, tubercles, length c. 0.1 mm; typically ending in a short bristle or seta. Metatarsus with one to three thorns proximally, but distal region generally bearing setae only. Legs most complete on right side, but leg 2 here missing, apart from a proximal stub (?trochanter). Metatarsal–tarsal division in leg 3 unclear; tarsus distally subdivided. Leg 4 well preserved with podomere lengths (in mm): patella, 0.41; tibia, 0.76; metatarsus, 1.12; tarsus, 1.21. Tarsus divided into one long and nine shorter elements, ending distally in a single, curved claw. Opisthosoma lacks clear segmentation, but is ornamented, like the legs, with conical spines, longest towards the posterior [...]
Six species of harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones) are documented from the Eocene Rovno amber in Uk... more Six species of harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones) are documented from the Eocene Rovno amber in Ukraine. From the suborder Eupnoi we record Caddo dentipalpus (C. L. Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) (Caddidae), Amilenus deltshevi Dunlop &amp; Mitov, 2009 (Phalangiidae) and Dicranopalpus ramiger (C. L. Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) (family incertae sedis). To these we add a new phalangiid, Metaphalangium martensi sp. n., which is the oldest representative of the Recent genus Metaphalangium Roewer, 1911 and new genus for the amber fauna. From Dyspnoi we record Sabacon claviger (Menge, 1854) (Sabaconidae) and propose Parahistricostoma gen. n. (Nemastomatidae), to accommodate Nemastoma tuberculatum C. L. Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854, yielding Parahistricostoma tuberculatum (C. L. Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) comb. n. The Rovno harvestman fauna is briefly compared to both Baltic and Bitterfeld amber. The fossil species, C. dentipalpus, A. deltshevi, D. ramiger and P. tuberculatum occur in all three ambers, and S. claviger is found in Baltic and Rovno amber. The only genus and species unique to Rovno amber is thus our new taxon M. martensi. The composition of the Rovno opilionid fauna is discussed in the context of late Eocene palaeoenvironment and ecological preferences and the fossils are compared to the distribution of extant harvestman taxa. The oribatid mite Platyliodes ensigerus Sellnick, 1919 (Acari: Neoliodidae) is reported from Rovno amber for the first time.
Egaenus marenzelleri Nosek, 1905 is redescribed and transferred to the genus Graecophalangium Roe... more Egaenus marenzelleri Nosek, 1905 is redescribed and transferred to the genus Graecophalangium Roewer, 1923 as Graecophalangium marenzelleri, comb. n. This species is also the first representative of its genus for the Turkish fauna. Male external and genital morphology of this species is illustrated for the first time.
<i> Mitostoma gruberi</i> sp. n. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: F6F51FD0-9D10-4094-975F-3C... more <i> Mitostoma gruberi</i> sp. n. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: F6F51FD0-9D10-4094-975F-3C202B48BDB9 Figs 3, 9<b> Material.</b> MfN, MB.A. 1654. Bitterfeld amber. Probably from the site of the Goitsche Open Cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Diagnosis.</b> Fossil<i> Mitostoma</i> with a specific form of the apophysis on the first cheliceral segment and specific form of the palpal tarsal segment.<b> Etymology.</b> In honour of Dr Jürgen Gruber ( Vienna) in recognition of his extensive studies on harvestmen, and nemastomatids in particular.<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1654 comprises a well-preserved body and pedipalps in lateral view, with a number of slightly disarticulated leg femora. Body length, 1.5 mm. Ocular tubercle distinct, eye diameter 0.20 mm. Opisthosoma with hints of segmentation and slight tuberculation on the dorsal surface towards the posterior half of the body. Chelicerae largely obscured, but dorsal part of first segment appears inflated forming an apophysis whose form is close to that of the Italian endemic<i> Mitostoma orobicum</i> ( Caporiacco, 1949) (see Tedeschi and Sciaky 1997: fig. 11). Pedipalps long and slender, article lengths in mm: trochanter, 0.27; femur, 1.42; patella, 1.63; tibia, 0.80; tarsus, 0.48. Tarsus slightly swollen at its distal end. Pedipalps setose, many palpal setae, particularly towards the distal end, with rounded tips (i.e. clavate setae). Trochanters of legs oval, femora long and slender, but more distal parts of the legs equivocal. Femora with scattering of short, thorn-like spines and one femur (femur 4?) with at least three short pseudoannulations, beginning about 0.8 mm along its length.<b> Remarks.</b> This fossil can be assigned to<i> Mitostoma</i>, as opposed to<i> Nemastoma</i> C. L. Koch, 1836, on the basis of the proportions of the pedipalp articles, while the cheliceral apophysis indicates a male specimen. Whether it is juvenile or adult is less clear, but strong parallels can be drawn with the widespread Euro [...]
<i> Caddo dentipalpus</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 10-14<b> Synonym... more <i> Caddo dentipalpus</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 10-14<b> Synonymy.</b> See Dunlop (2006, p. 169).<b> Holotype.</b> MfN, Berendt collection nr. 7340, redescribed by Dunlop (2006), from Baltic amber (Palaeogene, Eocene); precise locality unclear.<b> Additional material.</b> MfN, MB.A. 1655 (also bears the label "Ser. 12/13") and MB.A. 1656 (also bears the label "Ser. 8"), from Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1655 (Figs 10, 12) is a relatively complete specimen in lateral view. Body compact, length ca. 1.5 mm. Prosoma dominated dorsally by massive, oval eyes, maximum width 0.58 mm, in the form of a bilobed ocular tubercle. Further details of carapace morphology concealed beneath eyes. Chelicerae and sternal region cannot be seen. Pedipalps stout, femur particularly robust with at least eleven stout setae on the inferior lateral surface opposing the more distal articles. Femoral dentition equivocal in this specimen. Palpal article lengths (in mm): femur, 0.46; patella, 0.40; tibia, 0.23; tarsus 0.42. Some setal positions on femur revealed as sockets only. More distal palpal articles also setose; tarsus ends in a single, gently curving claw. All legs elongate and slender, femora and patellae sometimes with a short, stout seta near the distal end; patella noticeably shorter than adjacent articles. Right legs 1, 2 and probably 4 relatively complete. Articles of leg 2 noticeably longer than corresponding articles of leg 1, e.g. patellae 0.26. and 0.29 mm, tibiae 1.02 and 1.29 mm and metatarsi 1.36 and 1.91 mm respectively. Right leg 1 ends in a distally annulate tarsus with at least 11 annulations; distal annulus bears a single, hook-shaped claw. Left leg 3 relatively complete, other legs on left side truncated. A disarticulated leg fragment, probably a distal region bearing an annulate tarsus, crosses the distal part of left leg 3. Opisthosoma covered dorsally with a sh [...]
<i> Dicranopalpus ramiger</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 15-19<b> Syn... more <i> Dicranopalpus ramiger</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 15-19<b> Synonymy.</b> See Dunlop (2006: 170).<b> Holotype.</b> MfN, Berendt collection, repository number 7250, from Baltic amber (Palaeogene, Eocene); precise locality unclear.<b> Additional material.</b> MfN, MB.A. 1657 (also bears label "Ser. 12/14) and MB.A. 1658 (also bears label "Ser. 8"), from Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1657 (Figs 15, 17) is a fairly complete specimen in dorsal view. Body oval to quadrate, length 1.22 mm, maximum width 0.90 mm. Prosoma with semicircular propeltidium bearing ocularium; length 0.125 mm, width 0.325 mm, distance from ocular tubercle to the front of prosoma 0.1 mm. Opisthosoma with hints of weak segmentation, largely obscured by an imperfection in the matrix. Chelicerae indistinct, as are proximal articles of pedipalp. Patella of pedipalp, length 0.18 mm, with characteristic<i> Dicranopalpus</i> setose apophysis on mesal side, length 0.25 mm, extending about three-quarters of the way down the adjacent tibia. Tibia of pedipalp with length 0.27 mm, terminating in a further blunt, short setose apophysis. Pedipalpal tarsus widens slightly distally and ends in a single claw. Legs long and slen- der, but full lengths not preserved. Leg 2 longest, at least 8.6 mm. Measurable articles preserved in their entirety are (in mm) as follows. Leg 1: femur, 1.05; patella, 0.29; tibia, 1.02. Leg 2: femur, 2.24; patella, 0.33; tibia, 2.37. Leg 3: femur, 1.04; patella, 0.25; tibia 0.92. Ventral surface of the body not visible. MB.A 1658 (Figs 16, 18-19) is a fairly complete specimen in dorsal view. Body oval and compact, length 1.32 mm. Prosoma with semicircular propeltidium, length 0.44 mm, dominated by prominent, heart-shaped ocularium, length 0.20, width 0.225, distance from ocular tubercle to front of prosoma 0.1 mm. Ocular tubercle bears multiple short, forward-pointing setae in a ba [...]
¡<i> Histricostoma tuberculatum</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 1-2, 6-8<... more ¡<i> Histricostoma tuberculatum</i> ( Koch &amp; Berendt, 1854) Figs 1-2, 6-8<b> Synonymy.</b> See Dunlop (2006, p. 179).<b> Holotype.</b> MfN, Berendt collection, repository nr. 7248, redescribed by Dunlop (2006), from Baltic amber (Palaeogene, Eocene); precise locality unclear.<b> Additional material.</b> MfN, MB.A. 1652 (also bears a label "Ser. 8/11") and MB.A. 1653. Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1652 (Figs 1, 6) is a fairly complete specimen in dorsal view. Body compact, smoothly oval, length 1.48 mm; maximum width ca. 1.0 mm. Prosoma and opisthosoma completely fused together with little or no evidence of tagmosis between these body regions, of divisions of the prosomal dorsal shield and/ or of opisthosomal segmentation. Ocular tubercle flattened, diameter of each lens c. 0.1 mm. Slight bilobation to the anterior margin of the prosomal dorsal shield. Basal article of chelicera projects forwards, maximum length 0.26 mm, more distal articles largely tucked under body obscuring details, but quite setose on their anterior margin. Basal article distally with a globular and setose apophysis (Fig. 7). Pedipalps elongate and slender. Palpal coxae project forwards up to 0.19 mm. Subsequent articles with lengths (in mm) of trochanter, 0.28; femur, 0.85; patella, 0.70; tibia, 0.78; tarsus, 0.33; giving a total post-coxal length of 2.94. Palpal trochanter oval, bearing numerous very short setae. Femur longer, curving mesally slightly and widening distally, and with longer inward-pointing setae; especially on the mesal surface. Patella and tibia also with some longer setae. Tarsus slightly swollen and quite densely setose. Leg 1 almost complete, other legs attached to body as femora only; with leg 4 quite poorly preserved. Leg 1 article lengths (in mm): trochanter, 0.22; femur, 1.59; patella, 0.26; tibia, 0.69; metatarsus, 1.50; tarsus at least 0.56. Tarsus with at least one long [...]
<i> Amilenus deltshevi</i> sp. n. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: FE124EB4-D388-4C05-B1F4-B... more <i> Amilenus deltshevi</i> sp. n. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: FE124EB4-D388-4C05-B1F4-B648AC935329 Figs 20-21, 23-26<b> Holotype</b>. MB. A 1659. Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche opencast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Additional material.</b> MB.A. 1660 ( paratype). From the same locality as the holotype.<b> Diagnosis.</b> Fossil<i> Amilenus</i> species with a distinct form of the apophysis on the pedipalpal patella.<b> Etymology.</b> In honour of Prof. Christo Deltshev ( Sofia) in recognition of his extensive contributions to arachnology and on the occasion of his 70 th birthday.<b> Description.</b> The holotype (MB.A. 1659, Figs 20, 23-24) is an almost complete specimen in lateral view. Body ovoid, length ca. 0.8 mm; details of body, ocular tubercle and mouthparts equivocal. Pedipalps well-preserved, with article lengths (in mm) of: femur, 0.21; patella, 0.14; tibia, 0.16; tarsus, 0.4. Patella with a distinct, bluntly- pointed, mesal apophysis bearing a number of stout spines. Tibia slightly inflated distally and also bearing stout mesal spines in this distal region. Tarsus slightly expanded distally; apotele present as a short, curving, distal claw. Legs relatively complete; all elongate and slender, and when preserved at their full length ending in a single, claw like apotele. Leg 1 with article lengths in (mm) of: femur, 0.56; patella, 0.19, tibia, 0.47; metatarsus and tarsus (boundary indistinct) 1.75. Leg 2 with article lengths in (mm) of: femur, 1.19; patella, 0.22; tibia 1.72, metatarsus and tarsus (boundary indistinct) at least 1.47, but full length not preserved. Leg 3 less completely known, patella 1.1 mm; tibia 0.58 mm. Leg 4 with article length in mm of: femur c. 0.8; patella, 0.19; tibia, 0.75, metatarsus and tarsus (boundary indistinct), 3.0. The paratype MB.A. 1660 (Figs 21, 25-26) is an almost complete specimen best seen in dorsal view, but missing the second pair of legs and the dorsal surface of the opisthosoma. Body o [...]
<i> Leiobunum longipes</i> Menge, 1854 Figs 30, 33<b> Synonymy.</b> See D... more <i> Leiobunum longipes</i> Menge, 1854 Figs 30, 33<b> Synonymy.</b> See Dunlop (2006, pp. 172-173).<b> Holotype.</b> Probably originally in Danzig (= Gdańsk, Poland), current whereabouts unknown (see also Dunlop 2006), from Baltic amber ( Palaeogene, Eocene); precise locality unclear.<b> Additional material.</b> MB.A. 1662 (series 15/10, provisionally labelled "Gyantinae cf.<i> Amilenus</i> " but not in fact referable to this genus; see above), probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> MB.A. 1656 (Figs 30, 33) is an almost complete specimen of a fairly large harvestman in dorsal view. Body length: 2.1 mm; width of prosoma and opisthosoma 1.3 mm. Carapace procurved anteriorly, with clear division into promeso- and metapeltidium, and centrally located ocular tubercle. Length of ocularium 0.225 mm, width 0.275 mm, distance from ocular tubercle to front of prosoma 0.25 mm. Opisthosoma covered by scutum parvum bearing in places slightly granular ornament; posterior region and any segmentation here obscure. Body covered with small black dots and a subcuticular, silvery pigment. Chelicerae equivocal. Pedipalps short and pediform, but details lacking. Legs relatively complete, at least proximally, elongate and slender. Leg 1 femur length 1.83 mm, patella, 0.24. Leg 2 only known from incomplete femora. Leg 3 complete with podomere lengths (in mm) of femur, 1.79; patella, 0.45; tibia, 1.52; metatarsus, 1.86, tarsus, 3.20. Tarsus divided into 24 individual elements, becoming shorter distally, and ending in a single claw (apotele). Leg 4 only known from incomplete femora.<b> Remarks.</b><i> Leiobunum longipes</i> Menge, 1854 is present in both Baltic and Bitterfeld amber. Apparently quite common in Baltic amber ( Staręga 2002), this fossil is fairly large compared to the other Bitterfeld finds. Nevertheless, it is probably still only a juvenile, although we see nothing which differentiates it from the species known fro [...]
¡<i> Lacinius erinaceus</i> Staręga, 1966 Figs 27, 31-32<b> Material.</b>... more ¡<i> Lacinius erinaceus</i> Staręga, 1966 Figs 27, 31-32<b> Material.</b> MB.A. 1661 (also bears the label "Ser. 12/12"), from Bitterfeld amber, probably from the site of the Goitsche open-cast Mine near Bitterfeld, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany; Palaeogene (Oligocene: Chattian).<b> Description.</b> An almost complete, juvenile specimen (Figs 27, 31-32) in anterolateral view, obscured in places by bubbles within the matrix. Body compact, length c. 1.75 mm, maximum width of prosoma 1.20, of opisthosoma 1.25. Division into pro- and opisthosoma, and any sclerites making up the prosomal dorsal shield, poorly resolved. Ocular tubercle pronounced, width 0.33 mm, bearing seven spines; immediately in front of it three fairly prominent spines present. Further, generally smaller, spines located behind the ocular tubercle. Anterior margin of prosomal dorsal shield slightly recurved to accommodate the chelicerae. Proximal article only of chelicerae preserved, lacking details. Pedipalps short and robust, again proximal articles only preserved. Right (?)patella of pedipalp with at least three denticle-like spines. Legs relatively short. Femur, patella and tibia quite robust, compared to the more slender distal articles, and heavily ornamented with rows of thorns. Each row can be up to ten thorns on the tibiae. Thorns take the form of conical, sometimes slightly curving, tubercles, length c. 0.1 mm; typically ending in a short bristle or seta. Metatarsus with one to three thorns proximally, but distal region generally bearing setae only. Legs most complete on right side, but leg 2 here missing, apart from a proximal stub (?trochanter). Metatarsal–tarsal division in leg 3 unclear; tarsus distally subdivided. Leg 4 well preserved with podomere lengths (in mm): patella, 0.41; tibia, 0.76; metatarsus, 1.12; tarsus, 1.21. Tarsus divided into one long and nine shorter elements, ending distally in a single, curved claw. Opisthosoma lacks clear segmentation, but is ornamented, like the legs, with conical spines, longest towards the posterior [...]
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