Lophopilio palpinalis is rather plain in appearance with an overall darkish brown colour and usually an inconspicuous saddle, but under careful observation it has some features that make it unmistakable. These include a very conspicuous trident with sharp members, the middle-one of which is longest. The ocularium has some very conspicuous tubercles which are of uneven length - some often considerably longer than others. The pedipalps are very well armed, particularly the underside of the femurs which have conspicuously large spine-tipped tubercles. The distal ends of femurs and patella - particularly on legs three and four are well-armed with conspicuous tubercles.
Lophopilio palpinalis is widespread in the UK (except for Ireland where it is not recorded). See the distribution map of the Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme . It is widely spread over Europe.
Lophopilio palpinalis is most strongly associated with woodlands and is often found in the field and ground layers and even in litter. It can also be found in undisturbed hedges and gardens and occasionally in drier habitats.
This species has a very late phenology with adults not starting to appear in September and not peaking until November, dropping off sharply in December.
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 Unpublished.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.