Saturday 31 August 2013

Male harvestman


The adult male harvestman Phalangium opilio is one of the easiest to identify due to its enlarged chelicerae and white underside. Despite their large chelicerae, they are harmless as they have no venom glands. Males appear to use their chelicerae to fight. This individual settled quite well on the white bowl, stopping to groom its long, thread-like 2nd legs. Harvestman often use these legs, the longest pair, as insects use their antennae, tapping objects with them to feel their way around, as an organ of touch. 
Grooming its 2nd leg using the palps.

A whole view of the individual, showing their longer second pair of legs, the blurry one was on the move.



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