Opilione - Nemastoma bimaculatum

[Gerel]

Hi,

this is one of the few opiliones even I can identify with some confidence.



Found today under some rotting wood.


Steve

[Bruce Williams]

I find this species quite difficult to photograph well. You have two nice shots that show the colour and markings very well. Worthwhile additions to the Gallery I would say.

Bruce

[Action_Man]

Nice find Steve.

A little bit info about them here :- Nemastoma bimaculatum species account (Opiliones) (Courtesy of Arp)

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Steve,

I found my first today! Yes, they'd be good in the Gallery.

Take care,

Jason

[Gerel]

Thanks all,

I've submitted slightly higher res. versions to the Gallery.

I know what you mean about photographing them Bruce, difficult to meter for. I took quite a few pics of this one and most of them were under exposed.

Thanks for the link Gordon, interesting info. (haven't quite got a sharp enough shot of the chelicerae to sex this one)

I also found a very small Megabunus the other day, seems to be a fairly frequent species in this part of Wales.

Hi Jason, I see you've also had Dicranopalpus ramosus, which is one I've yet to see.

[Fauna]

Originally Posted by Gerel

Hi,

this is one of the few opiliones even I can identify with some confidence.



Found today under some rotting wood.


Steve

Found these under nearly every stone i turned over today, never really noticed them untill today...is there anything else in Britain they can be confused with?

I also found this specimen of what i believe to be Megabunus diadema? am i right ?

Not a good pic.

[Action_Man]

Unmistakeably Megabunus diadema .

And regarding Nemastoma bimaculatum, you shouldent find anything similar to mistake it with, if its black and has two white spots, its Nemastoma bimaculatum ...

So, it's probably best to assume the presence of Nemastoma bimaculatum only in Britain, until proven beyond any doubt that N. lugubre has a solid base somewhere too.

Courtesy Arp.

[Fauna]

Cheers Gordon.

I found Megabunus diadema on moss in one of my specimen jars, so i'm unsure where it came from?