In some species, Harvestment moult even after they are have reached adulthood! In some Harvestmen species, males use their chelicerae to offer oral secretion to female – a type of nuptial gift!ġ0. Unlike other Arachnids, Harvestmen males have a penis!ĩ. Harvestmen often show aggregation behavior, and the largest aggregation recorded is 70,000 individuals on a candelabrum cactus!Ĩ. At least a dozen species of Harvestmen are known to be parthenogenetic (females lay eggs that produce only females)!ħ. Over 60 chemical compounds have been isolated from Harvestmen secretions (e.g., the secretions that are often used in chemical defense)Ħ. Harvestmen are NOT venomous! They don’t have venom glands! A common urban myth.ĥ. Harvestmen have been around for at least 400 million years! Phenominal! And Harvestmen from the Rynie chert have an extensive tracheal system – the oldest record of such tubes of ANY arthropodĤ. Harvestmen can breath through their legs! Spiracles in harvestmen are located just posterior to the coxae of the 4th pair of legs and this supply of oxygen to Harvestmen legs (e.g., after they are removed) contributes to the duration of twitchingģ.

Salvador Dali featured Harvestmen in his work! It’s true – check it out: “ Daddy Longlegs of the Evening”Ģ. I learned a lot along the way – and will take this opportunity to highlight ten fun facts about Harvestmen – all of these were part of the Opiliones Project.ġ. Valentine, reproduced here with permission

Facts about daddy long legs