Leiobunum crassipalpe
This record describes Leiobunum crassipalpe (species). Recorded family: Sclerosomatidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
The male pedipalps are very robust and thick in L. crassipalpe, while they are thin, spiny and curved in L. vittatum. This is probably the most obvious difference. Also, the body of L. crassipalpe tends to be longer and not as tapered posteriorly. This is due to the much longer penis in crassipalpe. Females are harder to separate and generally require a dissection of the genitalia to be sure. -- Jeffrey W. Shultz
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Opiliones (Harvestmen)
- Suborder
- Eupnoi
- Superfamily
- Phalangioidea
- Family
- Sclerosomatidae
- Genus
- Leiobunum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Leiobunum crassipalpe Banks, 1909
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Leiobunum crassipalpe. 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.
Photos of Leiobunum crassipalpe (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum