Harvestman ID

[schmiggle]

Catalina State Park, near Tucson, AZ
View attachment VID-20230224-WA0000.mp4

 

[RezonantVoid]

Not sure on the ID but I can give some insight into its behaviour. Species with this build (shorter legs, stockier body and massive robust pedipalps) are almost always mostly predatory, taking down small prey with their powerful arms. At least in Australia, many of such species are also naturally social and can often be found in small groups underneath rocks or logs.

Awesome find, this type of harvestmen is not as commonly seen as the larger leggy species

 

[The Snark]

At least in Australia, many of such species are also naturally social and can often be found in small groups underneath rocks or logs.

Where I grew up we had one location, a garden with a windowsill where dozens of the 'daddy long legs ' harvestmen would congregate. Seems communal among various species can be quite common. Then here in Thailand they are most often lone wolves, patrolling the walls populated by geckos and sparassids, ready to duke it out with termites two or three times their body length.

 

[RezonantVoid]

Where I grew up we had one location, a garden with a windowsill where dozens of the 'daddy long legs ' harvestmen would congregate. Seems communal among various species can be quite common. Then here in Thailand they are most often lone wolves, patrolling the walls populated by geckos and sparassids, ready to duke it out with termites two or three times their body length.

With my Equitius setup, I've found they will shelter together during the day but almost always explore the tank by themselves at night. Funnily enough, they seem to have small territories that they patrol each night, certain individuals almost always sit in the exact same area most nights of the week. But if another Equitius happens to stroll past, they show no hostility at all

 

[The Snark]

@RezonantVoid I assume you realize you described an analogy of the presumed basic social structure of early homo erectus. ?

 

[RezonantVoid]

@RezonantVoid I assume you realize you described an analogy of the presumed basic social structure of early homo erectus. ?

Add it to too that they care for their young extensively, (some species) will build elaborate nest structures, share food with each other and at least IME, work together in some instances to take down prey

 

[The Snark]

Add it to too that they care for their young extensively, (some species) will build elaborate nest structures, share food with each other and at least IME, work together in some instances to take down prey

So chordata has a competitor in arthropoda! Yeay team! (This might take a little while)