[ID] Harvestman!

Jason Green · #1 (**permalink**) 21-12-2009, 03:44 PM

Hi all,

Here is a Harvestman I could do with ID'ing, please!

2009

Pretty long-legged. That's a standard garden fence it's across!
A pair maybe hoping to breed, then body detail.

Thank you for reading

Take care,

Jason

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 21-12-2009, 05:30 PM

Hi Jason,

I would say Leiobunum blackwalli due to the white edging to the eyes. I have had a few too.

Janet

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 21-12-2009, 06:37 PM

Definitely Leiobunum male but it is difficult to decide which from that photo.

I would be tempted to go for L. rotundum though. The centre line between the eyes is pale. With L. blackwalli each eye has a white ring but the centre line is dark.

A close up of the eyes is needed to be sure either way.

I'm not certain about it being male and female either; it could be 2 males. The top specimen is male but a better image of the other is needed before I would definitely say female.

JRsbugs · #4 (**permalink**) 21-12-2009, 07:03 PM

Here's two of mine which are a similar 'shape'. Both confirmed.

JRsbugs · #5 (**permalink**) 21-12-2009, 07:08 PM

I have to agree with Geoff really, you need to see a closer shot of the eyes. They both look to have the opposite colour dividing the eyes apart from the rings!

L. blackwalli is supposed to be rounder in body shape, this is more obvious in a mature female.

Action_Man · #6 (**permalink**) 22-12-2009, 10:47 PM

Yes L. blackwalli have the dark band in-between the eyes and L. rotundum have the dark band around the eyes, you remember L. blackwalli by the black wall down the center ...

Action_Man · #7 (**permalink**) 22-12-2009, 10:49 PM

They can also take on that squarer back end when they are dehydrated or haven't eaten for some time ...

Jason Green · #8 (**permalink**) 23-12-2009, 01:14 AM

Right, so likely rotundum then? OK, how about this one...

Geoff F · #9 (**permalink**) 23-12-2009, 06:02 PM

With those short legs, my first thought is Oligolophus sp. and quite possibly 0. tridens; but from those photos I can't rule out Lacinius ephippiatus.

Any other details about sizes or habitat and time of the year. Or other angles?

Perhaps, with luck, Gordon will come up with a definitive answer while I am having another think!