Libitioides sayi
This record describes Libitioides sayi (species). Recorded family: Cosmetidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
Posterio-dorsal spines lacking (present in L. ornata ); Background color lighter caramel (darker brown in L. alboliniata and L. ornata , although variable in L. albolineata ); Cheveron, backbone, and rib lines absent (present in L. alboliniata and L. ornata ).
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
Great Plains Records: AR, IO, KS, MO, OK, TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Libitioides sayi (Simon, 1879)
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Libitioides sayi. 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 sayi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason D. Roberts; Additional contributions by Ray Fisher , v belov , mhedin , edanko , Hisserdude , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Libitioides sayi
What is Libitioides sayi?
Libitioides sayi is a species in the family Cosmetidae, within the order Opiliones.
How do you identify Libitioides sayi?
Posterio-dorsal spines lacking (present in L. ornata ); Background color lighter caramel (darker brown in L. alboliniata and L. ornata , although variable in L. albolineata ); Cheveron, backbone, and rib lines absent (present in L. alboliniata and L. ornata ).
Where is Libitioides sayi found?
Range: Great Plains Records: AR, IO, KS, MO, OK, TX