Harvestman (Phalangium opilio) (2)

Harvestman (Phalangium opilio) (2)

Harvestmen have a single pair of eyes in the middle of their heads, oriented sideways. Apparently, these primitive eyes can detect a moving object up to 1 m away. Underneath is a pair of pedipalps, pincers used to grasp, tear and stuff food into its mouth, to fight other harvestmen, and to frequently clean its legs. Those seven-jointed legs are unique. If we had legs in proportion they would be 12 m long. The second pair is the longest – about 5 cm – and their sensitive tips are used to explore, search for food, and warn of danger. The harvestmen have no venom or venom delivery system, hence are completely harmless to man.

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