Phylogeny and biogeography of 
Sandokanidae (Opiliones, Laniatores)

Sandokanids are endemic to Southeast Asia. They are cryptic animals that dwell in leaf-litter and almost all species are type-locality endemics.

Photos: G. Giribet

There are six genera of Sandokanidae. The relationships of five of these, which were inferred from eight genes in a phylogenetic analysis, are as shown:

Sharma & Giribet (2009) Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 52: 432-447.

Their present distribution and ancient age indicate that their diversification in the Malay Archipelago has been greatly influenced by vicariance (continental breakup).

Sharma & Giribet (2009) Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 52: 432-447.