Paroligolophus meadii is a small but distinctive harvestman. It's apparent rarity may be partly due to it being overlooked. On close examination, this harvestman should be unmistakable with conspicuous rows of tooth-like tubercles across the sandy coloured body. The trident is also distinctive with the forward-pointing central member being much longer than the others. The dark ocularium contrasts with the rest of the body, but may be much paler between the eyes.
Paroligolophus meadii appears to be widespread but rare in England and parts of Wales and southern Scotland - see the distribution map of the Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme . At one time, this species was considered to be a British endemic, but there are one or two other records, e.g. from Guernsey and northern Spain.
Hillyard (2005) says that Paroligolophus meadii appears to favour dry habitats where it can be found in the ground layer and under stones etc and is often associated with heather. It is known from chalk downs, heaths and sand dunes. Apparently it can often be found with Opilio saxatilis.
Adults occur from late summer right through the winter. According to the Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme website, peak numbers are recorde in November.
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 Unpublished.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.