Unravelling the phylogenetic complexities of Ischyropsalis (Opiliones: Dyspnoi: Ischyropsalididae) in the North Iberian Peninsula, with the description of three new species

Abstract

Ischyropsalis C.L. Koch, 1839 is a genus of harvestmen inhabiting both terrestrial surface habitats and caves in central and southern Europe. The accepted number of species is controversial due to feature similarities and their strong sexual dimorphism. The northern part of the Iberian Peninsula harbours 16 accepted species, seven of which are epigean, while the other nine exclusively live in caves. Some of these species have not been included in the only phylogenetic study conducted on this genus, so their taxonomic status has not yet been evaluated within a phylogenetic framework. In this context, we aim to unravel the phylogenetic relationships among the taxa within this genus, from the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula, by conducting morphological and phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF1-α) molecular markers. Our results revealed three previously undescribed species from karstic caves in Cantabria and Asturias, herein described as I. damiani sp. nov., I. impressa Luque & Labrada sp. nov. and I. aguerana Luque & Labrada sp. nov. and a new designation, nodifera-group, for those Iberian species related with I. nodifera.