Siro exilis
This record describes Siro exilis (species). Recorded family: Sironidae. Recorded order: Opiliones.
Identification and Appearance
Exceedingly mite-like, no other similar harvesters occur in its range in the eastern United States.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Moist leaf litter, generally found via litter sifting
Geographic Range
Known from Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Siro exilis Hoffman 1963
About Harvestmen: the wider group
Order-level background for Opiliones, the group containing Siro exilis. 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 Siro exilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charles D. R. Stephen; Additional contributions by v belov , DerekHennen , edanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Siro exilis
What is Siro exilis?
Siro exilis is a species in the family Sironidae, within the order Opiliones.
How do you identify Siro exilis?
Exceedingly mite-like, no other similar harvesters occur in its range in the eastern United States.
Where is Siro exilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Moist leaf litter, generally found via litter sifting |
| Range | Known from Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia |