Megabunus diadema

Description

3-4mm species of harvestman with a conspicuous 'ocularium' - a protruding structure in which its eyes are located. This ocularium also has a row of spikes over each eye - like spiked eye-lashes.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It feeds amongst mosses and lichens, often in woodland. The saddle-like shape on its back provides excellent camouflage.

When to see it

All year round, but peaking between May and August in England.

Life History

Batches of about 30 eggs are deposited among leaf litter or on the soil. The larvae have an egg tooth.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent throughout Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
harvestman (Opiliones)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Opiliones
Family:
Phalangiidae
Records on NatureSpot:
8
First record:
14/06/2008 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
30/05/2023 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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