Ortholasma pictipes
This record describes Ortholasma pictipes (species). Recorded family: Nemastomatidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
Body with median light stripe, leg femora banded
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
moist coniferous forests
Geographic Range
northern CA to southern British Columbia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of name: Banks. Year first published: 1911
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Ortholasma pictipes. 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 pictipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyron Basu; Additional contributions by mhedin
Frequently Asked Questions About Ortholasma pictipes
What is Ortholasma pictipes?
Ortholasma pictipes is a species in the family Nemastomatidae, within the order Opiliones.
How big is Ortholasma pictipes?
3-4 mm
How do you identify Ortholasma pictipes?
Body with median light stripe, leg femora banded
Where is Ortholasma pictipes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | moist coniferous forests |
| Range | northern CA to southern British Columbia |