Nelima paessleri
This record describes Nelima paessleri (species). Recorded family: Sclerosomatidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
Aggregations numbering from 1,500 to 20,000 adults have been found overwintering in caves and mines in Canada. These groups migrate within caves in response to changes in temperature and humidity. The species is not known to aggregate during the warmer seasons.
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
Overwinters in caves and mines.
Geographic Range
Seems to be restricted to British Columbia (including Vancouver), extreme southwestern Alberta, and the Pacific NW
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Known to eat small moths, isopods, craneflies, and fungus gnats. Occasionally cannibalistic.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nelima paessleri (Roewer 1910)
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Nelima paessleri. 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 paessleri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelima paessleri
What is Nelima paessleri?
Nelima paessleri is a species in the family Sclerosomatidae, within the order Opiliones.
Where is Nelima paessleri found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Overwinters in caves and mines. |
| Range | Seems to be restricted to British Columbia (including Vancouver), extreme southwestern Alberta, and the Pacific NW |
What does Nelima paessleri eat?
The diet of the Nelima paessleri includes Known to eat small moths, isopods, craneflies, and fungus gnats. Occasionally cannibalistic..