Rilaena triangularis

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Rilaena triangularis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Opiliones
Family: Phalangiidae
Genus: Rilaena
Species:
R. triangularis
Binomial name
Rilaena triangularis
(Herbst, 1799)
Synonyms

Opilio triangularis
Platybunus triangularis
Paraplatybunus triangularis

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[edit]

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[edit]

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

Range[edit]

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][1]

Habitat[edit]

The species thrives in forests, floodplain forests and fens.[1][4][5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d 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.