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Cryptomaster behemoth

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Cryptomaster behemoth
Male (top) and female
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Opiliones
Family: Cryptomastridae
Genus: Cryptomaster
Species:
C. behemoth
Binomial name
Cryptomaster behemoth
Starrett & Derkarabetian, 2016

Cryptomaster behemoth is an opilionid arachnid inhabiting large woody debris and bark microhabitat in mature coniferous or mixed coniferous and hardwood forests of the central Cascade Mountains of Oregon, with all initially discovered localities in Lane County.[1]

As with the species name of the other species in the genus, C. leviathan, the specific epithet "behemoth" is derived from the name in the Hebrew language of a large beast mentioned in the Biblical Book of Job, referencing C. behemoth's large body size compared to most travunioid Laniatores. Even though of relatively large size, Cryptomaster species are difficult to find, hence the genus name suggesting that they are masters at staying hidden.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Starrett, James; Derkarabetian, Shahan; Richart, Casey H.; Cabrero, Allan; Hedin, Marshal (2016). "A new monster from southwest Oregon forests: Cryptomaster behemoth sp. n. (Opiliones, Laniatores, Travunioidea)". ZooKeys (555): 11–35. doi:10.3897/zookeys.555.6274. PMC 4740820. PMID 26877685.Open access icon