Harvestman for ID

[poschiavanus]

Found today under a rotting log. Eyes appear to be about 1 diameter apart, there looks to be a small trident & 2nd legs are longest.



Thanks,

Posch

[Geoff F]

At this time of the year I would expect this to be a juvenile Rilaena triangularis. But juveniles are difficult to identify, although Gordon, who is much better qualified than me, might have a go.

It does also have something of the look of Paroligolophus agrestis but the legs appear a little on the long side and it is still very early for this species.

Rilaena triangularis is the earliest UK harvestman and adults start to appear around April, after spending the winter as juveniles.

[Action_Man]

Geoff for some reason you have talked yourself out of Paroligolophus agrestis, which in fact is what it is , look at the orangey saddle and its shape, and the trident .

I need to put some better images on the site of this Opilione ...

[Geoff F]

And the legs have rather sharply angled sides. But I didn't expect to be seeing one which was so well developed this early in the year.

Also, I'm still trying to learn to identify adults so juveniles are a bit of a struggle for me.

[Action_Man]

Its probably just an overwintering adult, its been quite mild ...

[poschiavanus]

Thanks to both of you: lots of useful information which I can go an dwell on.