There are over 200 species of Harvestmen in North America, most of them difficult to identify from images alone. Although they resemble spiders, strictly speaking they are not. They belong to a different order (Opiliones). But most field guides include the Harvestmen with the spiders. At least one of the specimens shown here belongs to the genus Leiobunum, according to the volunteer experts at BugGuide. Their body is less than 1/2 inch long, has two fused parts. The eyes are on what looks like a tiny turret at the top of the body The coloration of body and legs is variable. Of the four pairs of long legs, the second pair has special sensory functions, similar to antennae in insects.
Harvestmen – also known as Daddy-Long-Legs – live just one season in our area. Although primarily nocturnal, they are also seen in daylight, especially in the fall, climbing over all types of vegetation hunting for other small prey. They are considered common at both of our nature centers.
There are 6500 species worldwide arranged into 46 families of 4 suborders. Harvestmen are often seen without their full complement of eight legs. When detached, a leg continues to twitch for a long time, possibly as a form of defense to detract a predator. Harvestmen are harmless to humans.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.