Ortholasma coronadense
This record describes Ortholasma coronadense (species). Recorded family: Nemastomatidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
Body uniform in color, legs not banded with color, femoral false articulations only on legs II and IV (II in particular)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Opiliones (Harvestmen)
- Suborder
- Dyspnoi
- Superfamily
- Troguloidea
- Family
- Nemastomatidae
- Genus
- Ortholasma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodlands under rocks & logs
Geographic Range
San Luis Obispo to San Diego county, most records cismontane
Seasonal Activity
Spring
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Ortholasma coronadense. 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 Ortholasma coronadense (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by marshal hedin
Frequently Asked Questions About Ortholasma coronadense
What is Ortholasma coronadense?
Ortholasma coronadense is a species in the family Nemastomatidae, within the order Opiliones.
How big is Ortholasma coronadense?
3-4 mm
How do you identify Ortholasma coronadense?
Body uniform in color, legs not banded with color, femoral false articulations only on legs II and IV (II in particular)
Where is Ortholasma coronadense found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodlands under rocks & logs |
| Range | San Luis Obispo to San Diego county, most records cismontane |
When is Ortholasma coronadense active?
Ortholasma coronadense: seasonal activity - Spring.