#  Laniatores 

 



## Systematics, Biogeography, and Evolution of Opiliones

Opiliones constitute the third largest arachnid order and their study has flourished in recent times, leading to a recent book on Opiliones biology co-edited by Ricardo Pinto-da-Rocha, Glauco Machado & Gonzalo Giribet. Research in the laboratory focuses on several aspects of the phylogeny and biogeography of Opiliones, emphasizing on Cyphophthalmi (see [Cyphophthalmi Research](/research_cyphophthalmi)) and different groups of Laniatores.

Graduate student Sebastián Vélez is conducting research on the New Zealand triaenonychids, especially on the widespread and diverse genus ***Nuncia***.

   ![nuncia_rumitaka.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum5781/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/giribetlab/files/nuncia_rumitaka_1.jpg?itok=ls56jRtp) 

 

Graduate student Prashant Sharma is concentrating on the diversity and patterns of dispersal of the family **Zalmoxidae**, and its phylogenetic position on the Laniatores tree. He is also interested in the SE Asian endemic family **Sandokanidae** (formerly **Oncopodidae**).

   ![gnomulus_latoperculum.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum5781/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/giribetlab/files/gnomulus_latoperculum.jpg?itok=8KKcosRz)