548 OPILIONES. 
importance, are, taken collectively, of much greater systematic value than a mere 
coincidence in the relative number of the tarsal claws, and this, too, taken by 
itself. 
We may therefore classify the order Opiliones (disregarding the Cyclophthalmi, 
which are not represented in our collection) into two suborders, as follows :— 
SUBORDERS. 
A. Genital aperture remote from the maxille . . . . . . . . . . . . Macosrerut. 
B. Genital aperture much nearer the maxille . . . . . . . . . . . . PuagiosTErut. 
The first suborder can be subdivided into two main groups—Laniatores and 
Insidiatores, thus :— 
GROUPS. 
i. Sternum not, or only very slightly, dilate opposite the apex of coxa iv. 
Coxa ii. not bearing a sterno-maxillary process. Legs 1. and 11. each with 
one, and ili. and iv. with two tarsal claws . . . . . . . . «© . . LANIATORES. 
ii, Sternum dilate at the base opposite the apex of coxaiv. Coxa ii. bearing a 
distinct sterno-maxillary process. Legs 1-iv. each with one tarsal claw 
only 2, . ee ee ee eee ew ee.) [Lysis ores. ] 
Suborder MECOSTETHI. 
Group LANIATORES. 
Sternum forming a long and narrow sclerite lying between the coxe of legs ili. and interposing between the 
mouth and the genital aperture, the latter lying between the coxe of legs iv. Palpi stout, sometimes 
(in some Gonoleptide) very long; usually armed with more or less formidable spines, and terminating 
in a powerful claw. Legs i. and ii. terminating in one, and iii. and iv. in two tarsal claws; i. with the 
sterno-coxal (or maxillary) process coalescent with the basal segment or coxa; ii. without such process. 
FAMILIES. 
A. Second and third ventral opisthosomatic somites fused, without a 
dividing transverse groove. Palpi enlarged, more or less compressed 
and armed with setiform spines or stout basally enlarged spines; the 
terminal claw simple. ‘Tarsi of legs 11. and iv. without a median vesicle 
beneath and between the claws. 
a. Terminal tarsal claws of legs iii. and iv. with an inter-basal projection 
between them. Coxa iv. much dilated. 
a’. Tibia of palpus much compressed, lamelliform, armed marginally 
with fine setiform spines only, not with stout basally enlarged 
spimes se 6 ee ee ee ee ew ew ee we . ). 6Cosmetiva, Perty. 
b’. Tibia of palpus not compressed, lamelliform, armed marginally with 
long spines, their basal portion enlarged . . . . . . . . Gonorzprips, Sund, 
b. Terminal tarsal claws of legs 11. and iv. without an inter-basal projec- 
tion between them. Coxa iv. less dilated . ASSAMIOID&, Sorens. 
