Nemastoma bimaculatum
(Fabricius, 1775)
Gold-spotted Harvestman
Nemastoma bimaculatum is a small harvestman native to western Europe, recognized by its distinctive coloration. It has been introduced to North America, where established occur in Ontario, Canada. The species was first documented in North America by LeSage (1977).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nemastoma bimaculatum: /nɛˈmæstoʊmə ˌbaɪˌmækjʊˈleɪtəm/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Nemastoma and similar dyspnoan harvestmen by the presence of two cream spots on the . The all-black morph may be confused with other dark nemastomatids, but the typical spotted form is readily identifiable. In North America, it can be separated from native species by its introduced status and specific spot pattern.
Images
Distribution
Native to western Europe: recorded from Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Introduced and established in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada.
Human Relevance
An introduced in North America, representing one of several Eurasian harvestmen that have established outside their native range. No documented economic or medical significance.
Similar Taxa
- Nemastoma dentigerumSimilar body form and size, but lacks the distinctive paired cream spots on the .
- Other Nemastoma speciesMost lack the characteristic two-spot pattern; some may have different spot arrangements or no spots.
- Introduced Eurasian harvestmen in North AmericaTrogulus tricarinatus, Paroligolophus agrestis, Rilaena triangularis, and Oligolophus tridens also occur as introduced in North America, but differ in body shape, leg proportions, and coloration patterns.
More Details
Nomenclatural note
The has been referred to as N. lugubre, but N. bimaculatum is the accepted name.
North American introduction
One of five confirmed Eurasian harvestman established in North America, with Ontario representing a significant northern range extension for the species.