Although similar to the more frequently encountered L. rotundum, there are features of both males and females which distinguish them. It is a smaller and more delicate looking species than L. rotundum but shares a similar sexual dimorphism. The males have a short and usually unicolorous peachy-coloured body whilst body of the female is longer, with a well-marked saddle, which unlike that of L. rotundum, widens towards a truncated back edge , giving it a characteristic triangular appearance. Males and females normally have pale eye rings around the dark eyes, separated by a darker mid-line.
Like L. rotundum, trochanters are dark with paler areas, helping to separate these species from the similarly long-legged Opilio canestrinii which has orange trochanters contrasting with its dark legs.
Widespread in the UK but must less frequent in the north. For the most up-to-date distribution map, visit the relevant page of the Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme . Tends to be found in mid-European latitudes, avoiding both far north and south.
Although it can be found in urban areas, this is a less synanthropic species that L. rotundum and tends to favour woodland, woodland edge, heathland and other semi-natural habitats where it is commonly found in the field and shrub layers.
A late summer and Autumn species - peaking a little later than L. rotundum in September but with high numbers in both August and October.
Hillyard, P. D., & Sankey, J. H. P. 2005. Synopses of the British Fauna (New Series) No. 4: Harvestmen. 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 Unpublished.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.