Mitopus morio
This record describes Mitopus morio (species). Recorded family: Phalangiidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
Voucher male: Habitus: Sharp, forward-pointing tooth under first segment of chelicera: Penis:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Opiliones (Harvestmen)
- Suborder
- Eupnoi
- Superfamily
- Phalangioidea
- Family
- Phalangiidae
- Genus
- Mitopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic; known collection localities in North America include: Alaska, California, Maine, Mississippi, "Montana or Wyoming", New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland/Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Quebec.
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Mitopus morio. 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 Mitopus morio (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Mitopus morio
What is Mitopus morio?
Mitopus morio is a species in the family Phalangiidae, within the order Opiliones.
How do you identify Mitopus morio?
Voucher male: Habitus: Sharp, forward-pointing tooth under first segment of chelicera: Penis:
Where is Mitopus morio found?
Range: Holarctic; known collection localities in North America include: Alaska, California, Maine, Mississippi, Montana or Wyoming, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland/Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Quebec.