Harvestman ID please

matt_xyz · #1 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 07:25 PM

Could anyone provide a species ID for this Harvestman please?

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 08:10 PM

Any other photos or information about size, habitat, time of year etc?

Initially, I am tempted to consider Oligolophus tridens, although I would ideally like a really close shot from another angle of it's 'nose' to check out any 'spines'.

It appears to roughly match O. tridens with pale slightly yellowish brown colouration and a fairly large ocularium (eye turret) with a darker central stripe between pale 'rings' around the eyes. I can see a number of rather small spines here which is another good sign.

But I am just beginning to try learning about harvestmen so this is a suggestion not a confirmed ID.

matt_xyz · #3 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 08:25 PM

thanks for your reply Geoff. I also didn't realise how difficult it was to ID Harvestmen until I tried to do this one.

I'm afraid I only have almost identical shots to this one. I got a bit carried away trying to photograph from this angle and forgot to get any other views for ID purposes! It was taken on 31st Jan in Leicestershire after I found it under a log in my garden.

Matt

Action_Man · #4 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 09:00 PM

This is more than likely a juvenile Leiobunum blackwalli, i`m presuming it had pretty long legs ?, and can you estimate the body size ?.

Leiobunum blackwalli species account (Opiliones)

Meta menardi · #5 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 09:02 PM

So few species, so difficult to be certain.

Action_Man · #6 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 09:05 PM

Also the one you have described in your Gallery as L. rotundum is in fact L .blackwalli

...

Not your Gallery, my mistake, its This Gallery ...

matt_xyz · #7 (**permalink**) 19-02-2010, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action_Man

This is more than likely a juvenile Leiobunum blackwalli, i`m presuming it had pretty long legs ?, and can you estimate the body size ?.

Leiobunum blackwalli species account (Opiliones)

I think this might be right, thanks for the replies. It was certainly small, around a 2-3mm body size and smaller than one or two others that were also under the same log.

Matt

Geoff F · #8 (**permalink**) 20-02-2010, 05:37 PM

Yes the size and date alters everything.

This is an odd time for harvestmen. In theory you shouldn't be seeing any now, especially after that cold spell, but a few adults do survive longer than the average and there are always a few early juveniles.

Just going by the date I would have guessed Rilaena triangularis which is one of the earliest species. I did rule that out by its appearance but juveniles are difficult to correctly identify without Gordon's wealth of knowledge.

If possible, and it often isn't, the length of legs particularly the 2nd leg is crucial for harvestmen identification which is why it is always good to get an overall shot as well as some close ups. But these little critters don't always cooperate do they!

Jason Green · #9 (**permalink**) 20-02-2010, 09:34 PM

Evening Matt,

I don't suppose it could be a young Leiobunum blackwalli? I know nothing much about Opiliones, and so Geoff and Gordon would be better able to advise on species.

Maybe move or re-post this in the Spider forum which is often where we post Harvestmen. I'm not sure where Gordon would look first...

Take care,

Jason