Arboreal Harvestmen

Harvestmen are arachnids in the order Opiliones. Unlike spiders, they have a single, fused body segment, lack venom and silk glands, cannot spin webs and have a single pair of eyes mounted on a small turret-like structure on top of their head.. They have long, thin legs and typically feed on small insects, decaying matter, and fungi. They live in a variety of environments, including forests, fields, and caves, and are commonly found under rocks, logs, or in leaf litter.

This entoLEARN webinar will explore UK species of vegetation-dwelling harvestmen. These species use their long legs and sensory adaptations to navigate bark, leaves, and canopy vegetation. Many species are camouflaged or patterned to blend with their surroundings, feeding on small invertebrates, fungi, and plant material. Adapted to life above ground, they often have specialised claws and flattened bodies for gripping and hiding in crevices.

At the end of the session, learners should have a deeper understanding of some of the harvestmen species found in arboreal environments, including:

• Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus
• Opilio canestrinii
• Leiobunum rotundum
• Phalangium opilio
• Opilio saxatilis

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about the hidden diversity in our gardens and countryside. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable insects.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.

entoLEARN

Our entoLEARN programme provides training on UK invertebrates through live webinars and online self-study courses, with subject specialists presenting aspects of the biology, ecology and behaviour of UK species.

This webinar is part of our Harvestmen series:

1. Terrestrial Harvestmen (Mon 27 Oct 2025)
2. Arboreal Harvestmen (Tue 30 Dec 2025)
3. Subterranean Harvestmen (Thu 05 Feb 2026)

If you have missed a webinar and would like to purchase access to the recorded content, please email us at info@biologicalrecording.co.uk

Harvestmen Specialist: Meg Skinner

Meg Skinner grew up in the rural Cotswolds and has always had an interest in natural history. She studied Biodiversity Conservation at Nottingham Trent University, where she began recording invertebrates as a hobby. Meg has contributed to several wildlife conservation projects and currently works as an ecologist. She has a special interest in harvestmen and has been organising the Harvestmen Recording Scheme since 2019 and was elected to the British Arachnological Society Council in 2021.