Libitioides ornata
This record describes Libitioides ornata (species). Recorded family: Cosmetidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
Two dorso-posterior spines prominent (absent or small in other US species); 'Backbone' (longitudinal yellowish line on dorsum), cheveron, and rib lines present, at least in part (absent in L. sayi , present at least in part in L. albolineata ); Color backbround dark brown (lighter, caramel in L. sayi , variable but usually dark brown in L. albolineata )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Opiliones (Harvestmen)
- Suborder
- Laniatores
- Superfamily
- Travunioidea
- Family
- Cosmetidae
- Genus
- Libitioides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Primarily Florida Records: FL, GA, SC [incidental BG record in Ohio]
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Libitioides ornata (Say 1821)
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Libitioides ornata. 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 Libitioides ornata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Ray Fisher , mhedin , Hisserdude
Frequently Asked Questions About Libitioides ornata
What is Libitioides ornata?
Libitioides ornata is a species in the family Cosmetidae, within the order Opiliones.
How do you identify Libitioides ornata?
Two dorso-posterior spines prominent (absent or small in other US species); 'Backbone' (longitudinal yellowish line on dorsum), cheveron, and rib lines present, at least in part (absent in L. sayi , present at least in part in L. albolineata ); Color backbround dark brown (lighter, caramel in L. sayi , variable but usually dark brown in L. albolineata )
Where is Libitioides ornata found?
Range: Primarily Florida Records: FL, GA, SC [incidental BG record in Ohio]