Opiliones

Opiliones are an order of arachnids colloquially known as harvestmen, harvesters or daddy longlegs. Although they belong to the class of Arachnida, they are not spiders, which are of the order Araneae.

Description

Opiliones are known for their exceptionally long legs, compared to their body size. However, there are also short-legged species. The body of an Opiliones is divided into two tagmata: the anterior cephalothorax or prosoma, and the posterior 10-segmented abdomen or opisthosoma.

Distribution and habitat

Opiliones are virtually cosmopolitan, found in diverse habitats ranging from the Arctic, to tropical rainforest, to desert. They are most common in moist environments.

Behavior and ecology

Opiliones are omnivorous, eating small arthropods, worms, and snails, as well as plant material. They do not have venom glands and pose no danger to humans.

Taxonomy

The order Opiliones is divided into four suborders: Cyphophthalmi, Eupnoi, Dyspnoi, and Laniatores. These are further divided into families and genera.

See also

• Arachnida
• Araneae

References

Opiliones Resources
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