Paroligolophus agrestis is extremely common and by far the most commonly encountered of all the harvestmen with 'medium' length legs. Although dorsal markings are very variable, many specimens have a characteristic appearance which, once learned, makes them easily recognisable. In contrast to many other harvestmen, it is normally the females in this species which are most well marked. The saddle, when present, often widens considerably towards the rear of tergite 5, and usually with a narrower central dark projection beyond this to the end of tergite 7, giving it a characteristic shape. In well-marked specimens the interior part of the saddle is often a strong pinkish colour. Usually there is a more or less well-defined pale median longitudinal stripe. The smooth silvery ocularium with only very fine inconspicuous bristles, help identify this species.
On the underside, the distal ends of the coxa are often marked with a brown dot. The genital operculum of females is absolutely diagnostic, being very deeply notched. The genital operculum of males also has an indentation. These features are easily seen on live specimens if examined with a lens in a spi-pot.
There is a very small, but neat, trident with two or three additional tubercles behind it. Often this neat little group of 5 or so tubercles give the appearance of being arranged in a little circle, like a crown. This is best seen with a lens and spi-pot.
It is worth getting to know this species, with all it's variations, very well since it is by far the commonest species of this size and the better you know it, the more dissimilar will specimens of other similarly sized species appear.
Extremely widespread over the whole of the UK - see the distribution map of the Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme . Also very common over the whole of Northern Europe.
Paroligolophus agrestis will tolerate a wide range of conditions and is found in many habitats and micro-habitats. It can frequently be found on vegetation and can be collected by sweeping and beating.
Adults occur in from late summer and into early part of winter 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 Unpublished.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.