Unidentified Mite/Harvestman ?

mickmassie · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 09:02 AM

I posted this 'mite' on the general board and got the suggestion it is a harvestman. I am not sure about that, but am willing to be convinced.
Any ideas from the arachnophiles ? They were abundant on bare ground eg. tops of ant hills, and move continuously, very fast.

Thanks, Mick

charlieb · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 09:13 AM

The closest I've ever been able to get with a similar critter was an Erythraeidae mite - see this photo (not mine but very similar): Picasa Web Albums - Stefan Andersen - Misc. Animals

jaguarondi · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 02:51 PM

I've seen these in similar situations - rather bare, open ground - and have thought they were mites. But I've never been able to ID them.

I think they've cropped up previously on WidAboutBritain. See -
seven barrows weird mite thing

mickmassie · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 06:16 PM

I think that charlieb has got it. I have had a quick poke around with Erythraeidae, but haven't been able to get a genus to match up. The photos posted by charlieb and the earlier (2007) link look like the same animal, but no species name associated with them. Unfortunately, the library I normally have access to is closed, so I can't get to any Acarine-type publications. There must be something on the web somewhere describing these, so I'll keep trying.
Thanks for the help so far.
Mick.