Harvestman Pencil Sketch p24

posted in: Sketchbook, Sketches, Spider art | 0

Harvestmen are an interesting creatures. Growing up we always called them daddy longlegs. The scientists call them Opiliones. Although they are arachnids, they are not spiders, despite sharing many superficial characteristics. Both have eight legs and two body segments. In the case of the harvestmen, the two body segments appear fused, but they are not. They just have a very wide connection making them appear as one.  Arachnids have venom and silk glands, both of which are lacking in the Opiliones. Most spiders have eight eyes, while the harvestmen have only two.

Harvestmen are easy to find in shady and damp places where they are moving about hunting smaller arthropods like mites to eat. They also scavenge for decaying plant and animal material. On close observation, these are really fascinating animals. Gently handling them is fun for kids of all ages. Be careful though, they are liable to drop a leg if you get rough. This specimen, which I photographed in the backyard, was missing a few limbs but seemed to be getting along just fine.

Harvestman Pencil Sketch
Harvestman Pencil Sketch

 

 

 

 

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