Credit: Ian Redding / Alamy Stock Photo
What do harvestmen eat?
They feed on a wide variety of small invertebrates, as well as whatever they can find - including fruit and fungi.
Harvestman (Leiobunum rotundum)
Spindly, gangly, with small, rounded bodies. These oddly proportioned spider relatives escape predators by losing their limbs. Look for them in damp woodland environments.
Quick facts
Common name: harvestman
Scientific name: Leiobunum rotundum
Family: Sclerosomatidae
Habitat: woodland, gardens, rural areas
Diet: small insects, fruit, fungi
Predators: birds, reptiles, amphibians
Origin: native
What do harvestmen look like?
The harvestman has a small, rounded body with long spindly legs. Its head and body are fused together and are light chestnut in colour. Females are larger than males and juveniles look like smaller versions of adult harvestmen.
Size: 5cm including legs.
Did you know?
Harvestmen are one of a many species popularly referred to as ‘daddy long legs’.
How do harvestmen breed?
Harvestmen become sexually mature in July. Eggs are usually laid during the autumn, hatching the following spring.
Credit: M & J Bloomfield / Alamy Stock Photo
Where do harvestmen live?
Harvestment are widespread throughout the UK but most frequent in southern areas. They favour woodland, grassland and rural areas.
Signs and spotting tips
Look out for harvestmen in wet environments on tree trunks and leaf litter during the autumn months. They are nocturnal and can be seen hunting at night, near bright outdoor lights where their prey is often found.
Threats and conservation
The harvestman is widespread and is not currently considered under threat.