Mitostoma chrysomelas is minute! However, once noticed and carefully observed, it is a very distinctive harvestman due to extremely long fine pedipalps which are characteristically held up and out in front and the neat rows of bifid/trifid tubercles that delineate the margins of the tergites and cover the ocularium. Futhermore, all segments of the pedipalps are covered in tiny capitate setae. The ground colour varies and can appear quite dark or pale, but the tubercles and legs are dark. The overall appearance can be quite dark. Relative to the tiny body, the legs are long and slender. The male has a pair of long, slender, curved apophyses at the distal end of the first cheliceral segment and proximal end of the last cheliceral segment.
Mitostoma chrysomelas occurs very widely the UK - see the distribution map of the Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme . It also occurs over much of Northern Europe.
Mitostoma chrysomelas seems to require humid microhabitats, occurring in the ground and herb layer in a wide range of habitats and situations. It is often found on the edge of freshwater habitats. It is notably gregarious.
In the UK adults but adults have been found in nearly every month of the year with a peak around September and a trough around February.
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 Unpublished.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.