What species of Harvestman?

[alanc15]

I think this beast is a harvestman but I dont know what species. There seems to be lots of these guys on the outside walls of the house at the moment,
guess they are all the same type but could be wrong. Can anyone help with an accurate id please?
Thanks
alan.

[Geoff F]

There aren't a lot of harvestman species in the UK but they can be tricky to ID just from photos; particularly without additional information about size or location.

However, there are a few clues here to narrow things down.

There is a well defined trident on the 'nose' and the 'spines' seem to be rather long and of equal length. They point well forward.

So my first thought would be Lacinius ephippiatus. The legs, particularly the femur seem to be distinctly angular which would be correct.

Rather small with shortish legs, 5 mm body with legs (measured by the 2nd leg) no more than 20 mm.

However I would also like to check out Odiellus spinosus which is quite a bit more substantial in size; between 8 and 11 mm body but with relatively short legs (20 to 28 mm for the 2nd leg length.

I'm doubtful as these have a more rounded femur and the occularium has small somewhat rounded tubercles on top. Your individual appears to have larger more pointed tubercles here. But the dark saddle on the abdomen does appear to have rather dark edges and a pale centre which would fit.

Size alone should separate these species.

It is restricted to an area roughly south of a line between the Wash and the Severn

[alanc15]

Thanks Geoff. That really helps.
I have been doing some on-line research into my harvestman. I came to the conclusion it was O, spinosus. The body is c8-10mm and the legs are short.
The location is Bournemouth so that fits. I reckon there are around 15-20 of these on the brickwork of my front porch. They seem to be most active at night, sometimes they are apparently mating. There are other smaller/slighter types also in the area but my initial impression of these guys is one of robust critters with strong, shortish legs and a larger body, so given your advice, O. spinosus seems most likely.
Thanks again alan

[Geoff F]

At that size and with short legs there isn't really anything else.

You are doing well to find so many but they appear to like living alongside people and will congregate in suitable sheltered locations like gardens.