Nocturnal Spider ID

Scarlet Pimpernel · #1 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 08:11 AM

Morning Everyone,

Have just got up and checked my moth trap....three nice moths for me to ID later and this little fellow. Had a look through the book I have and thought it could be a Yard or House spider....Could well be very wrong though!

Cheers Jacob

Venger · #2 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 08:46 AM

Hi Jacob,
It's not a spider, its a harvestman (Opiliones) (still an arachnid though)
Spider have 2 sections (cephalothorax and abdomen) whereas opiliones have 1.
I have limited knowledge on harvestmen but this looks like a Lacinius ephippiatus
Could be wrong, lets hope someone with more knowledge pops along.

(I should know better than rattling off random species when you're not sure but what the hey)

Scarlet Pimpernel · #3 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 09:28 AM

Thanks very much for that Venger....I also found a Harvestman (Leiobunum rotundum) a few days ago....

Thanks for the ID attempt it gives me something to read into now!

Cheers Jacob

clicka15 · #4 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 11:20 AM

Hi Jacob,

Harvestmen are primitive spiders that have been around for at least 400 million years! They're sometimes called 'living fossils'.

Steve.

Zygiella · #5 (**permalink**) 14-10-2007, 12:13 PM

Not seen one of these before - Im amazed how similar to a some spiders the markings are - I always thought harvestmen had those crazy long skinny legs but this seems to have shorter thicker legs. I certainly havent seen any around Cumbria (but then I haven't been looking but will now!) I wonder if it was trying to make a meal of your moths!