EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Click on image for larger version

The Smooth Hard-bodied Harvestman

Credit & Copyright:  Dr. Bruce G. Marcot
  

Explanation:  This unassuming invertebrate of the night forests of northern New Zealand has a striking name:  it is a smooth hard-bodied harvestman.  Although bearing a resemblance to them, this arachnid is not a true spider, but rather belongs to the order Opiliones.  Note the fused body parts and the pair of eyes centered on the top of the head, both being very un-spider-like attributes. This order of harvestman, which is widespread, should not be confused with spiders of family Pholcidae, also referred to as daddy long-legs.