Canestrini's Harvestman
Canestrini's harvestman (Opilio canestrinii) is a small harvestman native to southern Europe that has spread northward across Europe and was introduced to North America. It readily lives in gardens and buildings.
Canestrini's harvestman (Opilio canestrinii) is a small harvestman native to southern Europe that has spread northward across Europe and was introduced to North America. It readily lives in gardens and buildings.
🧬 Field Guide Specimen: Open Canestrini's Harvestman in the CRV Science Field Guide to log the specimen, see its place among the Ecdysozoa lineages in the Cladogram Explorer, and test your recall in the Red List conservation game.
A Spreading Species
The species is found on walls, fences and in houses, and it is spread by human transport. In North America it has been found in several northern states and provinces, where it is now locally abundant.
Effects on Native Species
The ecological impact of the introduction is not well known. Biologists track such introductions to see whether they displace native harvestmen.
Life Cycle
Eggs overwinter, juveniles grow through the summer and adults appear in autumn. See Common Harvestman.
Canestrini's Harvestman at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Opilio canestrinii |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Arachnida |
| Order | Opiliones |
| Family | Phalangiidae |
| Field Guide group | Ecdysozoa: Arachnida (Spiders, Scorpions & Allies) |
| Diagnostic feature (Field Guide) | Orange-brown oval body on stilt-like legs; males have large forward-pointing jaws; a recent invader spreading across Europe. |
| Order | Opiliones |
| Native range | Southern Europe |
See Also
- Walnut Orb-legged Harvestman — another spreading harvestman
- Common Harvestman — a familiar harvestman