Opiliones
Guides
Acropsopilio
harvestman
A genus of tiny harvestmen (Opiliones: Acropsopilionidae) established by Silvestri in 1904. The genus includes several species, with *Acropsopilio neozealandiae* being endemic to New Zealand where extensive collecting has yielded only female specimens, suggesting possible parthenogenetic reproduction. Members are found in forest habitats and are among the smallest harvestmen.
Acuclavella shoshone
Acuclavella shoshone is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Ischyropsalididae. It was described by Shear in 1986 and is known from North America. The specific epithet "shoshone" likely refers to the Shoshone region or peoples, reflecting its geographic association. As a member of the suborder Dyspnoi, it belongs to a group of harvestmen characterized by particular respiratory and morphological features. Very little detailed biological information has been published for this species.
Bishopella
Bishopella is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Phalangodidae, established by Roewer in 1927 and named in honor of arachnologist S. C. Bishop. The genus contains two described species: B. jonesi, endemic to Alabama, and B. laciniosa, distributed more broadly across the southeastern United States. Both species belong to the diverse Laniatores suborder, characterized by relatively short legs and raptorial pedipalps adapted for predation.
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.
Caddo agilis
Caddo agilis is a species of harvestman (Opiliones) in the family Caddidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1892. It exhibits a disjunct distribution spanning North America and Japan, a pattern shared with its congener Caddo pepperella. Phylogenetic evidence indicates these two species diverged before acquiring their current geographic ranges, suggesting the disjunction resulted from vicariance rather than recent dispersal. The species belongs to a small family of harvestmen characterized by distinctive morphological features.
Caddo pepperella
Caddo pepperella is a species of harvestman (Opiliones: Caddidae) described by Shear in 1975. It occurs in North America and is sympatric with the closely related Caddo agilis. Phylogenetic studies indicate that C. pepperella and C. agilis diverged before acquiring their current disjunct distributions in North America and Japan. Like other members of the family Caddidae, it belongs to the suborder Eupnoi and possesses the characteristic elongated body form and reduced eyes typical of this harvestman family.
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.
Calicina galena
armoured harvestman
Calicina galena is a species of armoured harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Phalangodidae. It was described by Ubick and Briggs in 1989 and is known from North America. As a member of the Laniatores suborder, it possesses the characteristic armoured body form typical of this diverse group of arachnids.
Calicina mariposa
Calicina mariposa is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Phalangodidae. It was originally described as Sitalcina mariposa by Briggs in 1968 before being transferred to the genus Calicina. The species is known from North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology or ecology.
Calicina sequoia
Calicina sequoia is an armoured harvestman species in the family Phalangodidae, first described by Briggs and Hom in 1966. It was originally placed in the genus Sitalcina before being transferred to Calicina. The species epithet 'sequoia' suggests an association with giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) habitat. Like other phalangodid harvestmen, it possesses a heavily sclerotized body with distinctive armoured plates.
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.
Crosbycus dasycnemus
Crosbycus dasycnemus is a species of harvestman in the family Taracidae, described by Crosby in 1911. It belongs to the suborder Dyspnoi, a group of long-legged harvestmen. Records indicate occurrence in scattered localities across the eastern and central United States. The species is poorly documented, with minimal published information on its biology.
Crosbyella distincta
armoured harvestman
Crosbyella distincta is a species of armoured harvestman described by Goodnight & Goodnight in 1942. It belongs to the family Phalangodidae, a group of small to medium-sized harvestmen characterized by their heavily armored bodies. The species is known from North America. Armoured harvestmen in this family are typically found in leaf litter and soil habitats where they function as predators and scavengers.
Crosbyella montana
Crosbyella montana is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Phalangodidae. It was described by Goodnight & Goodnight in 1942. The species is found in North America. As a member of the suborder Laniatores, it possesses the characteristic armoured body form of this group of harvestmen.
Crosbyella roeweri
Crosbyella roeweri is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Phalangodidae, described by Goodnight & Goodnight in 1942. It belongs to the suborder Laniatores, a group of short-legged, heavily sclerotized harvestmen commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The species is recorded from North America, though specific locality details remain limited.
Crosbyella spinturnix
Crosbyella spinturnix is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Phalangodidae, described by Crosby and Bishop in 1924. Originally placed in the genus Phalangodes, it was later transferred to Crosbyella. As a member of the suborder Laniatores, it possesses hardened body armour characteristic of this group. The species is documented from North America, though detailed ecological and behavioral studies appear limited.
Crosbyella tuberculata
Crosbyella tuberculata is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Phalangodidae, described by Goodnight & Goodnight in 1942. It belongs to the suborder Laniatores, a diverse group of harvestmen characterized by relatively short legs and often heavily armoured bodies. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature.
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.
Cynortoides quadrispinosa
Cynortoides quadrispinosa is a species of harvestman (Opiliones: Cosmetidae) described by Goodnight & Goodnight in 1942. It belongs to the family Cosmetidae, a diverse group of neotropical harvestmen characterized by often ornate body armature. The specific epithet 'quadrispinosa' suggests the presence of four spines, likely on the dorsal scutum or abdomen. The species has been documented in citizen science observations, indicating it is not exceptionally rare in suitable habitat.
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.
Enigmina
Enigmina is a genus of armored harvestmen in the family Phalangodidae, established by Ubick & Briggs in 2008. The genus contains at least two described species: Enigmina granita and Enigmina warrenorum. Members of this genus belong to the suborder Laniatores, a diverse group of short-legged harvestmen characterized by robust bodies and often elaborate defensive armor. The genus name reflects the enigmatic nature of these cryptic arachnids, which are poorly known in terms of their biology and ecology.
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.
Erebomaster acanthinus
armoured harvestman
Erebomaster acanthinus is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Cladonychiidae (sometimes listed as Travuniidae in older sources). It belongs to the suborder Laniatores, a group of harvestmen characterized by relatively short legs and often elaborate body armature. The species was described by Crosby and Bishop in 1924. It is known from scattered records in the eastern United States.
Erginulus subserialis
Erginulus subserialis is a harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Cosmetidae, originally described by Pickard-Cambridge in 1905. The species belongs to the subfamily Metergininae, a group of tropical harvestmen characterized by often ornate dorsal ornamentation. It is one of several species in the genus Erginulus, which is distributed across Central and South America. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, indicating ongoing contemporary study.
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.
Eumesosoma nigrum
Eumesosoma nigrum is a species of harvestman (Opiliones) in the family Sclerosomatidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1821. The species is known from very few observations, with only three records documented in iNaturalist. As a member of the Leiobuninae subfamily, it belongs to a group of long-legged harvestmen commonly found in North America.
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.
Globipes simplex
Globipes simplex is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Globipedidae. It was originally described as Eurybunus simplex by Schenkel in 1951 and later transferred to the genus Globipes. The species is known from limited records in California, specifically Alameda and Fresno counties. As with many harvestmen, detailed biological information is sparse in published literature.
Globipes spinulatus
Globipes spinulatus is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Globipedidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1893. It is one of few documented species in the genus Globipes, a small family of long-legged arachnids. The species is known from limited records in the Los Angeles area of southern California.
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.
Hadrobunus grandis
Hadrobunus grandis is a harvestman (Opiliones) species found in the eastern and central United States. Adults are active in early summer. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1821. It belongs to the family Sclerosomatidae, a diverse group of long-legged arachnids commonly encountered in temperate North American forests and woodlands.
Hadrobunus maculosus
Speckled Harvestman
Hadrobunus maculosus is a harvestman (Opiliones) commonly known as the Speckled Harvestman. It belongs to the family Sclerosomatidae and occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and surrounding regions. As with other harvestmen, it is often mistaken for a spider but possesses key anatomical differences.
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.
Hesperonemastoma modestum
Hesperonemastoma modestum is a species of harvestman (Opiliones) in the family Taracidae. It was described by Nathan Banks in 1894 and occurs in western North America. The species has been recorded from British Columbia and several locations in California and Oregon. Like other taracids, it belongs to the suborder Dyspnoi.
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.
Isolachus spinosus
Isolachus spinosus is a species of harvestman (Opiliones) in the family Cladonychiidae, described by Briggs in 1971. It belongs to the suborder Laniatores, a diverse group of short-legged harvestmen often associated with moist microhabitats. The species is known from limited records in the Pacific Northwest of North America.
Leiobunum calcar
Leiobunum calcar is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Sclerosomatidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont. The species was first described by Wood in 1868. Like other members of the genus Leiobunum, it is a long-legged arachnid commonly encountered in wooded habitats.
Leiobunum crassipalpe
Leiobunum crassipalpe is a harvestman species in the family Sclerosomatidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1900. It belongs to a genus characterized by exceptionally long legs and elongated body forms. The species occurs in the south-central United States, where it inhabits wooded habitats. Males possess distinctive enlarged pedipalps that extend dorsally above the ocularium.
Leiobunum relictum
Leiobunum relictum is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Sclerosomatidae, described by Davis in 1934. The species name 'relictum' (meaning 'left behind' or 'relict') suggests a population isolated from formerly more widespread distribution. It is recorded from North America, though specific locality details and ecological data remain sparse in published sources.
Leiobunum serratipalpe
Leiobunum serratipalpe is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones, family Sclerosomatidae) described by Roewer in 1910. The species is currently considered a synonym of Leiobunum calcar in some taxonomic databases, though this status may reflect ongoing taxonomic revision in this notoriously difficult genus. Like other members of Leiobunum, it possesses the characteristic long, slender legs and ocularium typical of the family. Species in this genus are common inhabitants of wooded habitats across eastern North America.
Leiobunum townsendi
Leiobunum townsendi is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Sclerosomatidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Leiobunum, it possesses the characteristic long, slender legs and compact body typical of long-legged harvestmen. The species was described by Weed in 1893.
Leiobunum ventricosum
Early-Season Group
Leiobunum ventricosum is a species of harvestman in the family Sclerosomatidae, first described by Wood in 1868. It belongs to the genus Leiobunum, a group of long-legged harvestmen that are notoriously difficult to identify to species level. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and other regions. Like other members of its genus, it possesses distinctive morphological features including an ocularium—a raised structure bearing the eyes—and elongated legs, with the second pair often held aloft and waved as sensory appendages.
Leiobunum verrucosum
Warty Harvestman
Leiobunum verrucosum is a species of harvestman in the family Sclerosomatidae, commonly known as the Warty Harvestman. It is native to North America. The species belongs to a genus whose members are known for their exceptionally long legs and are common inhabitants of wooded habitats.
Leptobunus aureus
Leptobunus aureus is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Phalangiidae, first described by Cokendolpher in 1985. It belongs to the subgenus Slimlepto within Leptobunus. The species is known from North America. Like other phalangiid harvestmen, it is a long-legged arachnid with a fused body structure, though specific morphological details distinguishing it from congeners remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Leptobunus californicus
Leptobunus californicus is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Phalangiidae, first described by Banks in 1893. It is found in North America. Harvestmen are arachnids characterized by a fused body structure and long, slender legs, though specific morphological details for this species are limited in available sources.
Leptobunus parvulus
Leptobunus parvulus is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Phalangiidae. It is native to North America. The species was first described by Banks in 1894. As a harvestman, it is an arachnid but not a spider, lacking venom and silk glands.
Libitioides sayi
Say's Armored Harvestman
Libitioides sayi is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Cosmetidae, commonly known as Say's Armored Harvestman. It was described by Simon in 1879. As a member of the Laniatores suborder, it possesses raptorial pedipalps adapted for predation. The genus Libitioides belongs to the diverse Neotropical harvestman fauna.
Megacina cockerelli
armoured harvestman
Megacina cockerelli is a species of armoured harvestman in the family Phalangodidae. It was originally described as Sitalcina cockerelli by Goodnight & Goodnight in 1942. The species belongs to a group of harvestmen characterized by hardened body armor and is found in North America.