Nelima elegans
This record describes Nelima elegans (species). Recorded family: Sclerosomatidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Opiliones (Harvestmen)
- Suborder
- Eupnoi
- Superfamily
- Phalangioidea
- Family
- Sclerosomatidae
- Genus
- Nelima
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Uses the thresholds of caves and mines as overwintering sites
Geographic Range
Widely distributed in the eastern U.S.
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Nelima elegans. 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 Nelima elegans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charles D. R. Stephen; Additional contributions by metrioptera