Phalangium opilio (predator)

Phalangiidae • spider predators • other predators • Beneficials/natural enemies

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Phalangium opilio male with a red parasitic mite (click on image to enlarge it)
Author(s): Robert Flogaus-Faust
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Phalangium opilio (predator) Linnaeus, 1758

This is one of the most common species of harvestmen with a wide distribution in Europe, North America (possibly introduced) and Asia. Among other environments, it can be found in agricultural fields and is regarded as a useful predator of small pest arthropods like aphids, leafhoppers, mites or caterpillars. It has been described as a nocturnal ambusher.

Eggs are laid under stones or in cracks in the soil and there is usually only one generation per year. The body of the adults is around 4-6 mm long with males being smaller.

• Other images of Phalangium opilio (predator) (Wikimedia Commons - click to enlarge)
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