Harvestman parasitized by three mites. Click image to magnify.
These arachnids are found throughout temperate regions worldwide. Often mistaken as spiders (who also have 8 legs, 2 body regions, a distinct waist and no antennae), harvestmen body regions are broadly joined giving the appearance of a single, externally segmented body region. The second pair of legs is the longest of the four pairs of legs.
Harvestmen are generalized feeders, feeding on aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, beetle larvae, mites, slugs, earthworms, spiders, dead insects and decaying material.
Eggs are laid in moist areas under rocks or in cracks in the soil. The eggs hatch in three weeks to five months or more, depending on temperature. Immatures undergo several molts and reach maturity in two to three months, again depending on temperature.
As is true of all animals, parasites significantly impact the lives of harvestmen . Mites may cause death due to infection or body fluid loss.
[...] Magnifiable original entry [...]