Today we take a brief look at 3 views of 2 different harvestman species, an arachnid often confused for a spider. Though they do look very similar to spiders, they apparently have more in common with scorpions. Don’t let that scare you, though, harvestmen are completely harmless to people. In fact, they don’t even have venom glands, nor do they produce silk as spiders do.

Harvestmen are one of the species sometimes referred to as daddy-long-legs for their very long legs. And speaking of their legs, one of their defense mechanisms is intentionally dropping one of their still moving legs to get the attention of the predator and let them escape. Unfortunately, the leg doesn’t regrow, so they can’t use this defense very often.

I found these harvestmen on leaves along the trail of a wildlife preserve. I was fortunate to have some decent light and non-distracting backgrounds to help the subjects stand out. I believe the black/white/gray harvestman might be a striped harvestman (Leiobunum vittatum). I’m not certain the species of the brown/orange one as there are several that resemble it.

One thing I was fascinated by was how the striped harvestman is carrying something below its body. I’m not entirely sure what it is, perhaps food of some sort. They eat insects and plant material, so it could be a piece of either.

When was the last time you sat and watched a harvestman walking? Next time you see one spend a little time with it. They really are fascinating to watch.

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