Anelasmocephalus cambridgei is relatively small with very short legs. The body is dorso-ventrally flattened but not as much so as in Trogulus tricarinatus . The body and legs are normally covered in soil particles. There is no ocularium - the two widely spaced eyes lay directly on the cephalothorax behind a shield covering the mouthparts. A shield over the mouthparts is bifurcate with spines radiating from each side.
Anelasmocephalus cambridgei is only likely to be confused with Trogulus tricarinatus, but the latter is much larger (around 10 mm compared to 4 mm for Anelasmocephalus cambridgei). The hoods are different - that of Trogulus tricarinatus lacks the radiating spines. The tarsi of legs 1 and 2 have two segments in Trogulus tricarinatus, but three segments in Anelasmocephalus cambridgei.
Young stages are pinkish in colour and not normally covered in soil.
Anelasmocephalus cambridgei is more widespread than Trogulus tricarinatus but still has a mainly southern distribution - see the distribution map of the Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme . It also occurs in many mid-European countries.
Anelasmocephalus cambridgei is associated with calcareous soils in low vegetation, including moss, leaf litter and under wood and stones. It may have a preference for rough grassland and semi-open woodland. Sieving is a good way to find it, but great care is needed because it may feign death for several minutes and is very well camouflaged.
Only limited information is available on phenology, but it is said to be found all year due to adults living for up to three years.
Hillyard, P. D., & Sankey, J. H. P. 2005. Synopses of the British Fauna (New Series) No. 4: Harvestmen. Third Edition.Field Studies Council, Shrewsbury.
Richards, P. 2010. Guide to Harvestmen of the British Isles. Field Studies Council, Shrewsbury.
Richards, P. 2017. Tabular key for Identification of British Harvestmen (Opiliones). Unpublished.
Wijnhoven, H. 2009. De Nederlandse hooiwagens (Opiliones). Nederlandse Entomologische Vereniging.