Quick Harvestman facts
1. Harvestmen belong to the order Opiliones and are not spidersHarvestmen belong to the order Opiliones and are not spiders.
2. The main body segments are broadly joinedThe main body segments are broadly joined, giving them a compact oval appearance.
3. Many species have extremely long thin legs equipped with sensory structuresMany species have extremely long thin legs equipped with sensory structures.
4. Unlike spiders, harvestmen have no silk glands and cannot build websUnlike spiders, harvestmen have no silk glands and cannot build webs.
5. They also lack venom glandsThey also lack venom glands.
6. The diet can include tiny insectsThe diet can include tiny insects, fungi, plant matter and decaying organic material.
7. Some species release strong-smelling defensive chemicals from scent glandsSome species release strong-smelling defensive chemicals from scent glands.
8. Large groups may cluster together in sheltered placesLarge groups may cluster together in sheltered places, sometimes forming masses containing thousands of individuals.
9. Harvestman is an arachnidHarvestman is an arachnid, so a typical adult has eight walking legs rather than the six found in insects.
10. Its body is protected by a chitinous external skeleton that…Its body is protected by a chitinous external skeleton that must be molted during growth.
11. Harvestman lacks antennaeHarvestman lacks antennae, a key feature separating arachnids from insects and many other arthropods.
12. The first pair of mouth appendages are cheliceraeThe first pair of mouth appendages are chelicerae, structures specialized for feeding or prey handling.
13. Pedipalps beside the mouth function in sensingPedipalps beside the mouth function in sensing, feeding, mating or prey control depending on the species.
14. Harvestman is ectothermicHarvestman is ectothermic, so temperature strongly influences its activity and metabolic rate.
15. Like other arachnids, it belongs to the arthropod lineage and…Like other arachnids, it belongs to the arthropod lineage and has jointed appendages controlled by muscles inside the exoskeleton.
16. Growth occurs in stages separated by molts because the rigid…Growth occurs in stages separated by molts because the rigid outer body covering cannot expand continuously.
In-content AdSense position — optional after approval
Why harvestman are fascinating
Harvestmen are ancient arachnids with fused-looking bodies and exceptionally long legs, but they are not true spiders. Looking at these traits together reveals how the animal solves the everyday challenges of feeding, movement, communication, reproduction and survival.
Frequently asked questions
How many harvestman facts are on this page?
This guide currently contains 16 concise facts, with the wider STIAI.NET library linking to related animals and topics.
Are these facts written for children or adults?
The explanations are written for a general audience: clear enough for younger curious readers while preserving useful biological context.
Where can I find similar animals?
Use the related-arachnids links or the Animals A–Z directory to continue exploring.
Editorial note: STIAI.NET presents zoological information in original, reader-friendly language. Scientific knowledge can change; see our fact-checking policy.