This is a rather plain harvestman which, in general, resembles a small Leiobunum sp. In birding terms, Nelima gothica is a bit of a 'little brown job'!
There is sexual dimorphism with the males having a shorter body than the female. The general shape of the shorter male body is reminiscent of that of male Leiobunum sp. In both sexes, the body is pale and generally greyish/brownish. The female may have an inconspicuous saddle.
The legs are long, but not as long as those of Leiobunum sp. One of the key features to separate Nelima gothica from Leiobunum spp. is that the trochanters are more or less uniformly pale - the same colour as the coxae (contrasting light and dark patches in Leiobunum).
The occularium is pale which may lead to confusion with Leiobunum blackwalli, but there are not the distinct white 'eye rings' of that species. A good look at the occularium with a hand-lens (e.g. in a spi-pot) will reveal short spines above the eyes on the occularium - a feature not found with Leiobunum sp.
Nelima gothica is widespread in the UK, although the current know distribution shows a curious lack of records from the far south-east (notably in Kent). For the most up-to-date distribution map, visit the relevant page of the Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme . Hillyard & Sankey (2005) indicates that the species is found in very good numbers in Ireland. According to Wijnhoven (2009) Neliman gothica is not found in Holland, although two other Nelima species are found there and elsewhere in Europe. The similarity between these species should put us on our guard against overlooking new Nelima arrivals here.
The UK distribution of this species may indicate that it has a preference or requirement for a certain degree of humidity. Frequently found, in synathropic situations, on walls etc.
Adults occur in greatest numbers during the late summer and autumn with a clear peak in September.
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 Unpublished.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.