Course: Terrestrial 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 ground-dwelling harvestmen. These species are usually nocturnal and solitary in behaviour, and have a range of defences against predators to enable them to scavenge for food or hunt small invertebrate prey.

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

• Paroligolophus agrestis
• Trogulus tricarinatus
• Nemastoma bimaculatum
• Scotolemon doriae
• Homalenotus quadridentatus

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.