[ID] Opilione

[Action_Man]

I have this tiny Harvestman in a specimen jar, so excuse the picture.

Its around 1.5mms. and i dont think i have seen this type before, it has a series of dots along its cephalothorax, in three rows. The picture frame is 15mms, so you can estimate the size for yourself ...



[100% crop]

[Action_Man]

I managed to get a better shot using the saucer trick ...

[Pudding4brains]

Howdy Action_Man,

Obviously a youngster, which means that both colour and some morphological characters are not developed to the same extent as in adults - making it hard to ID - at least for an amateur like me

From the looks of it I'd be looking at Leiobunum/Nelima (used to be one genus I think) for ID, but I couldn't find any clear matches on first attempt - sorry

I'll maybe have a second look later ...
Cheers! Arp

P.S. Just realized you still have the critter there don't you? A good image from the underside could probably tell Leiobunum (teeth/thorns on coxa) from Nelima (without).

[Action_Man]

Thanks Arp.

I tried using the key, pedipalp with smooth claw and no ocular spines, or trident, but dident come up with a match ...

Anyway there is a better image linked below for you to look at ...

• View topic - Awaiting ID

[Action_Man]

Yes i still have the beast here, i`m debating if i should keep it or not, and see how it developes ...

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by Action_Man

I managed to get a better shot using the saucer trick ...

Tell me more about the saucer trick, it sounds like a good one to know.

[Action_Man]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

Tell me more about the saucer trick, it sounds like a good one to know.

Its not very exciting i`m afraid.

You get a saucer and fill it with water, then place a stone in the middle, then place your insect onto the stone, then cross your fingers and hope it doesent like water, if they stay on the rock then you can take as many pictures as you like, and it looks like a natural environment.

Some spiders will walk into the water to test how deep it is, i saw this once when one walked under the water with a bubble attached to itself ...

[Meta menardi]

Thanks, that is another way to do things. I got some thick (10mm or so) very clear plastic sheeting used for museum displays etc. and drilled various sized holes in it, and stacked it, the covered the top with microscope cover glass, but any good trick is a... Good trick. (Sorry about the lame ending, but I was on a roll, then lost focus).

I pop things in fridges and use Sodastream outfits to quieten them down (don't try it on the missus), and that can be effective, but I do like the saucer trick.

[Pudding4brains]

Hi Action_Man/All,

Just kicking this thread up... I had to give up on it - just don't know enough about these critters yet to say anything sensible

Last week I found one "just like it" however, so I had a good excuse to present it to the dutch experts (here). Unfortunately even Hay Wijhoven couldn't come up with more than "I suspect it's a Leiobunum too". Not trivial at all those little "puppie" Harvesters it seems

One thing though: As I've found mine in a greenhouse it would be interesting to know if yours was found "in the wild" or in a greenhouse too (or on a plant in your home or such). Not quite ready to throw the towel just yet

[Action_Man]

Hoi Arp,

We know all Dutchmen speak English, so can you ask them to to do so on there forum ? (joking).

That particular Harvestman was found in my garden under my pine boards, i place these in certain places in the garden and they attract insects, i have seen several of them, all the same size(1.5mms.), they are a real b*ggers to photograph, as they have an aversion to light, so you have to be quick.

I have thought of catching some, and trying to rear them, just to see how they develop, but i`m unsure of the best methods, i was thinking of maybe a small fish-tank with sand and a little water bath (they wash quite regularly).