OpilionesCosmetidae

Erginulus subserialis

This record describes Erginulus subserialis (species). Recorded family: Cosmetidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.

Identification and Appearance

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Opiliones (Harvestmen)
Suborder
Laniatores
Superfamily
Travunioidea
Genus
Erginulus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

About Harvestmen: the wider group

Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Erginulus subserialis. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Opiliones (harvestmen/daddy longlegs) includes ~6,650 described species. Despite common myths, harvestmen are NOT spiders - they have a single fused body (not two segments), no venom glands, and no silk. They are completely harmless.

Ecological role of the group

Some harvestmen species practice paternal care - males guard eggs, a rare behavior among arachnids. Many species can detach their legs when caught by predators (autotomy), and the detached leg continues twitching to distract the predator.

Economic and practical significance of the group

Harvestmen have minimal economic impact. They are primarily beneficial as predators of small arthropods and as decomposers of organic matter in forest and garden ecosystems.

Recorded sources for this group: Arachnology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Opiliones families and species →