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A to Z of a Wildlife Garden

H

Harvestman

Other invertebrate

Illustration of harvestman
Harvestman

Phalangium opilio

The harvestman is very distinctive with a round, compact body and extremely long legs.

Although it looks like a long-legged spider, it isn’t one. It is one of the Opilones, a group of arachnids closely related to spiders. Unlike the spiders, it has no silk glands so is not able to spin a web. It does not have fangs and does not produce venom.

It catches its insect prey by using hooks on the ends of its legs. These arachnids defend themselves by secreting a foul-smelling fluid. If they are caught, they are able to shed a leg to escape.

What does it eat?

Small insects, snails and worms.

When will I see it?

Usually in the autumn.

Where will I see it?

Throughout the garden. Sometimes in the house.

Vital statistics

Length: Up to 30 mm across

Calendar

Not seen in JanuaryNot seen in FebruaryNot seen in MarchNot seen in AprilNot seen in MayNot seen in JuneNot seen in JulyNot seen in AugustSeen in SeptemberSeen in OctoberSeen in NovemberNot seen in December

Key to calendar

Related habitats

Food