Harvestmen
Guides
Acuclavella
thorn harvestmen
Acuclavella is a genus of small arachnids commonly known as thorn harvestmen, established by Shear in 1986. The genus comprises approximately seven described species restricted to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. These harvestmen belong to the family Ischyropsalididae and are characterized by distinctive morphological features that distinguish them from related genera. The genus is relatively poorly known, with few observations and limited ecological data available.
Buemarinoidae
Buemarinoid Harvestmen
Buemarinoidae is a small family of harvestmen (Opiliones: Laniatores) comprising approximately six genera and six described species. The family belongs to the superfamily Triaenonychoidea, which contains over 440 species across four families. Buemarinoidae is considered an ancient, relictual lineage with a disjunct global distribution and a high prevalence of monotypic genera, suggesting significant historical extinction events.
Caddoidea
Caddoidea is a small superfamily of harvestmen (Opiliones) within the suborder Eupnoi, established by Nathan Banks in 1893. It contains two families: Caddidae and Acropsopilionidae. Members are characterized by distinctive morphological features including relatively long legs and compact bodies. The group has a disjunct distribution with representatives in North America, eastern Asia, and Australia. Caddoidea represents one of the more specialized lineages within the Dyspnoi-Eupnoi clade of long-legged harvestmen.
Chinquipellobunus
Chinquipellobunus is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Stygnopsidae, subfamily Stygnopsinae. The genus was established by Goodnight & Goodnight in 1944. Members of this genus are classified within the infraorder Grassatores, a diverse group of tropical and subtropical harvestmen characterized by relatively short legs and compact bodies.
Cosmetidae
Pied Harvestmen
Cosmetidae is one of the largest families of harvestmen (Opiliones), comprising over 700 species across 125+ genera. The family is endemic to the New World with a Nearctic-Neotropical distribution, reaching its greatest diversity in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, particularly the Andean regions. The northern range extends into the southern United States. The family name derives from the Greek 'kosmetós' meaning 'ornate,' referring to the elaborate white, yellow, or occasionally green, orange, or red markings on the dorsal body. The family has undergone substantial taxonomic revision, with seven subfamilies currently recognized following phylogenetic analyses.
Cynorta
Cynorta is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Cosmetidae, subfamily Cynortinae. It was first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1839. The type species is Cynorta conspersa. The genus is currently considered poorly defined, with species from disparate regions included without demonstrated shared ancestry.
Cynortoides
Cynortoides is a genus of harvestmen (order Opiliones, family Cosmetidae) described by Roewer in 1912. It belongs to the subfamily Cynortinae within the diverse neotropical harvestman fauna. Species in this genus are characterized by features typical of cosmetid harvestmen, including relatively compact bodies and often ornate dorsal armature. The genus occurs in Central and South American regions.
Cyphophthalmi
Mite Harvestmen
Cyphophthalmi is a suborder of harvestmen (Opiliones) comprising six families grouped into three infraorders: Boreophthalmi, Scopulophthalmi, and Sternophthalmi. Adults range from 1 to 7 mm in length with relatively short legs compared to other harvestmen. The suborder is characterized by unique morphological features including elevated cone-shaped ozophores, a spermatopositor instead of a true penis in males, and a completely open gonopore lacking a genital operculum. Many species are eyeless and inhabit leaf litter or caves. Cyphophthalmi represents one of two major lineages of harvestmen, with the other lineage (Phalangida) containing Laniatores, Dyspnoi, and Eupnoi.
Dyspnoi
Dyspnoan Harvestmen
Dyspnoi is a suborder of harvestmen (Opiliones) comprising approximately 43 extant genera and 356 described species across eight families. The group is organized into three superfamilies: Acropsopilionoidea, Ischyropsalidioidea, and Troguloidea. Dyspnoi represents one of the most biogeographically conserved higher groups of harvestmen, with distribution patterns suggesting relictual status as paleo-European mainland fauna. Members possess distinctive defensive scent glands with complex functional anatomy involving hidden ozopores and specialized secretion discharge mechanisms.
Erebomaster
armoured harvestmen
Erebomaster is a genus of armoured harvestmen established by Cope in 1872. The genus contains at least three described species and is classified in the family Cladonychiidae (formerly placed in Travuniidae). These harvestmen are part of the suborder Laniatores, a diverse group of long-legged arachnids commonly found in moist forest habitats. The genus has accumulated over 200 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its occurrence.
Eumesosoma
Eumesosoma is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Sclerosomatidae, established by Cokendolpher in 1980. The genus contains six extant species distributed across the United States, plus one fossil species from the Eocene. One species, Eumesosoma roeweri, has been studied for its antipredator freezing behavior.
Eupnoi
Eupnoan Harvestmen
Eupnoi is a suborder of harvestmen (order Opiliones) comprising approximately 1,700 described species across more than 200 genera. The group is divided into two superfamilies: Phalangioidea, which includes the familiar long-legged "daddy long-legs" common in northern temperate regions, and the smaller Caddoidea, characterized by prominent eyes and spiny pedipalps. Eupnoi harvestmen possess a unique secretory gland opening via an ozopore on the dorsum, which produces defensive and communicative chemicals. They exhibit complex social behaviors including multi-specific roosting aggregations and chemical-based alarm signaling.
Eurybunus
Eurybunus is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Globipedidae, established by Nathan Banks in 1893. The genus contains four described species: E. brunneus, E. pallidus, E. riversi, and E. spinosus. All species are endemic to the Western United States. Taxonomic placement has been disputed, with some sources historically placing the genus in Sclerosomatidae, though current consensus recognizes Globipedidae.
Globipes
Globipes is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Globipedidae, established by Nathan Banks in 1893 with Globipes spinulatus as the type species. The genus contains three described species, two of which occur in coastal California and one in Guerrero, Mexico. It is among the relatively small-bodied sclerosomatoid harvestmen of western North America.
Hadrobunus
Hadrobunus is a genus of harvestmen (order Opiliones) in the family Sclerosomatidae, established by Banks in 1900. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed primarily in the eastern United States and Mexico. Species in this genus are characterized by their elongated body form and relatively large size compared to many other sclerosomatid harvestmen.
Hesperonemastoma
Hesperonemastoma is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Taracidae, established by Gruber in 1970. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. These harvestmen are classified in the suborder Dyspnoi and superfamily Ischyropsalidoidea.
Ischyropsalididae
Ischyropsalidid Harvestmen
Ischyropsalididae is a family of harvestmen (Opiliones) comprising 35 described species across three genera: Acuclavella (thorn harvestmen of North America), Ceratolasma, and Ischyropsalis (predominantly European). The family exhibits a disjunct distribution spanning Europe and western North America. Several species are troglophilic, inhabiting cave systems with documented adaptations to subterranean environments including seasonal activity patterns and microhabitat specialization.
Microcina
Microcina is a genus of harvestmen (order Opiliones) in the family Phalangodidae, described by Briggs and Ubick in 1989. It belongs to the infraorder Grassatores, a group of Laniatores characterized by relatively long legs and often cryptic habits. Species in this genus are found in western North America, particularly in California. The genus is part of the diverse phalangodid radiation in the region.
Nemastomatidae
Nemastomatid Harvestmen
The Nemastomatidae are a family of harvestmen (Opiliones: Dyspnoi) comprising approximately 170 described species in 16 extant genera. The family is divided into two subfamilies with disjunct distributions: Nemastomatinae in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, and Ortholasmatinae in western North America and eastern Asia. Members are characterized by variable body size (1–6 mm) and often possess elongated, thread-like pedipalps. The family is monophyletic and likely sister to the Dicranolasmatidae and Trogulidae.
Neogoveidae
Neogoveid Harvestmen
Neogoveidae is a family of small, eyeless harvestmen (Cyphophthalmi) distributed across tropical regions of West Africa and the Neotropics. Members range from 1 to 4.5 mm in body length and exhibit distinctive morphological features including a heavily granulated dorsal scutum, laterally projecting ozophores, and variable adenostyle morphology. The family shows substantial undescribed diversity, with many species awaiting formal description.
Odiellus
harvestmen
Odiellus is a genus of harvestmen in the family Phalangiidae, containing approximately 17 described species distributed across Europe and introduced regions. The genus includes Odiellus spinosus, a well-studied species with a sequenced genome and documented life history. Members of this genus are characterized by relatively short legs compared to many other harvestmen and often possess distinctive body ornamentation including spines or granulations.
Ortholasma
Ortholasma is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Nemastomatidae, containing five described species. The genus was established by Banks in 1894 and has been revised by Shear (2010). It is the type genus of the subfamily Ortholasmatinae. Species in this genus are small-bodied, short-legged dyspnoan harvestmen found in western North America.
Paranonychidae
Paranonychid Harvestmen
Paranonychidae is a family of armored harvestmen (Opiliones) containing 9 genera and at least 28 described species. The family was established by Briggs in 1971 and is classified within the superfamily Travunioidea. Members are characterized by heavily sclerotized body armor, an adaptation that distinguishes them from many other harvestman families. The family has a predominantly Pacific Rim distribution, with genera found in Japan, western North America, and other regions.
Phalangodidae
Phalangodid Harvestmen
Phalangodidae is a family of small harvestmen in the suborder Laniatores, containing approximately 30 genera and more than 100 described species. Members are characterized by pedipalps armed with prominent spines and body lengths generally under 3 mm. The family is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region, with exceptional diversity in the western Nearctic, particularly California. Several species, especially in the genus Texella, are obligate cave-dwellers exhibiting troglomorphic traits such as depigmentation and reduced eyes.
Protolophidae
Protolophid Harvestmen
Protolophidae is a family of harvestmen (order Opiliones) containing approximately six described species within the single genus Protolophus. The family is restricted to Western North America. Its taxonomic status remains unsettled; while traditionally recognized as a distinct family, some recent treatments have subsumed it within Sclerosomatidae.
Protolophus
Protolophus is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Protolophidae, distributed in the western United States. The genus was established by Banks in 1893 and contains eight extant species plus one fossil species from Baltic amber. The family's taxonomic status remains contested, with some treatments recognizing Protolophidae as distinct and others subsuming it within Sclerosomatidae.
Rilaena
Rilaena is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Phalangiidae, established by Šilhavý in 1965. The genus includes approximately 13 described species distributed across Europe and western Asia. The most common and widespread species is Rilaena triangularis, which has been subject to taxonomic debate regarding its placement in the genus Paraplatybunus. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of the subfamily Phalangiinae.
Sabaconidae
sabaconid harvestmen
Sabaconidae is a family of harvestmen (Opiliones: Dyspnoi) comprising approximately 50 described species. The family exhibits a disjunct distribution spanning eastern North America and temperate Eurasia, with notable diversity in the southern Appalachian Mountains and the Altai Mountains of Russia. Species-level taxonomy within the family has been complicated by cryptic diversification, particularly in widespread species such as Sabacon cavicolens, which shows evidence of multiple allopatric lineages separated by vicariance and rare long-distance dispersal events.
Sclerosomatidae
Sclerosomatid Harvestmen
Sclerosomatidae is a large family of harvestmen (Opiliones) comprising approximately 1,300 described species. The family is characterized by a hardened body structure, reflected in its name derived from Greek skleros ('hard') and soma ('body'). Members exhibit the classic 'daddy long legs' morphology with small, rounded bodies and long, slender legs. The family includes several subfamilies—Gagrellinae, Gyantinae, Leiobuninae, and Sclerosomatinae—distributed across diverse habitats worldwide. Some species display iridescent metallic coloration, particularly in tropical lineages. A former subfamily has been removed to form the separate family Globipedidae.
Siro
harvestmen
Siro is a genus of cyphophthalmid harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Sironidae. These small arachnids are characterized by their eyeless condition, elongated bodies, and association with moist microhabitats. The genus was established by Latreille in 1795 and represents one of the early-recognized lineages of the suborder Cyphophthalmi, which diverged from other harvestmen early in the evolutionary history of the order. Species in this genus are distributed primarily in the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe.
Sironidae
Sironid Harvestmen
Sironidae is a family of Cyphophthalmi harvestmen comprising more than 60 described species. It was the first described family of the suborder Cyphophthalmi and remains among the least understood phylogenetically. The family exhibits a predominantly Laurasian distribution, with species concentrated in temperate Europe and the west coast of North America. Monophyly of the family is poorly supported with traditional molecular markers; the Mediterranean genus Parasiro and Japanese genus Suzukielus sometimes branch basally relative to other sironids.
Taracidae
Taracid Harvestmen
Taracidae is a family of harvestmen (Opiliones) established by Schönhofer in 2013, containing four genera and 23 described species. The family includes the genera Taracus, Oskoron, Hesperonemastoma, and Crosbycus, though the placement of the latter two remains taxonomically disputed. Members are primarily distributed in western North America, with some species exhibiting troglomorphic adaptations suggesting cave-dwelling habits.
Theromaster
armoured harvestmen
Theromaster is a genus of armoured harvestmen (Opiliones) established by Briggs in 1969. The genus contains at least two described species: Theromaster archeri and Theromaster brunneus. Members of this genus are found in the eastern United States. Theromaster belongs to the family Cladonychiidae, though some sources historically placed it in Travuniidae.
Travunioidea
travunioid harvestmen, armoured harvestmen
Travunioidea is a superfamily of armoured harvestmen (Opiliones: Laniatores) comprising four families and approximately 75-77 described species. It represents an early-diverging lineage within the suborder Laniatores, characterized by a Laurasian distribution spanning eastern Asia, eastern and western North America, and south-central Europe. Recent phylogenomic studies using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) have revised the classification, establishing the families Travuniidae, Cladonychiidae, Paranonychidae, and Cryptomastridae, while rejecting traditional tarsal claw-based taxonomy due to widespread homoplasy.
Trogulus
harvestmen
Trogulus is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Trogulidae, characterized by large, elongated and flattened bodies with relatively short legs. The genus contains the largest known harvestman by body length, Trogulus torosus. Species-level identification is difficult due to highly uniform external morphology across the genus, necessitating molecular and morphometric approaches for taxonomy. The genus exhibits unexpectedly high cryptic diversity, with molecular estimates suggesting three times more species than currently described.