Opiliofauna (Arachnida, Opiliones) of the seasonal semidecidual forest of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

There are few studies of opiliones (Arachnida) catalogs in many ecosystems and Brazilian states. In this regard, the aim of this study was to catalog the harvestmen fauna in a Seasonal Semidecidual Forest in the south of Minas Gerais. The study was conducted in 14 municipalities in the south of the State of Minas Gerais in fragments of a Seasonal Semidecidual Forest from March/2017 to April/2019. 34 morphospecies were registered, including four unknown morphospecies to science, Tricommatinae sp.1, Anoplogynus sp.1 and sp.2, and Liogonyleptoides sp.1. Similarities in the Opiliones fauna are low within the comparative studies, which reflect on the high rates of endemism, as has been discussed in other studies. The area is relevant to the Opiliones fauna in the state of Minas Gerais, which justifies the creation of conservation units in order to ensure the protection of this natural heritage.