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Protolophus niger
The body of the Opiliones is fused into one unit consisting of a prosoma and an abdomen. Nebraska has 5 Harvestman, this black one being the one with the shortest legs. The Black Harvestman is completely black on the dorsum with rows of tiny white dots from head to tail. The underside is light tan in color as are the legs which have black bands. The long antenna so prominent in Harvestmen are actually the second pair of legs and are used to feel their environment.
Harvestmen are quite adaptable and can be found in relatively arid conditions as well as the tropical rainforest. This one was in a pile of wood in SE Texas.
Contrary to rumor and myth, harvestmen do not possess venom glands and do not bite. They can drop a leg at will to distract an enemy or predator. It will continue to twitch much like the detached tail of a gecko.
Spotted on May 24, 2013
Submitted on Feb 23, 2019
2 Comments
Thanks Mauna. I don't know how I missed this comment. I'm not a big fan of spiders like I am snakes, but they are amazing creatures.
It’s good that you’re dispelling the myth that harvestmen are venomous. Yay, spiders!