More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Harvestmen of Zihuatanejo
ORDER OPIOLINES
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Chelicerates (Subphylum Chelicerata)
-Eupnoan Harvestmen (Suborder Eupnoi)
-Superfamily (Phalangioidea)
-Sclerosomatid Harvestmen (Family Sclerosomatidae)
-Subfamily Gagrellinae
-Genus Krusa
-Krusa annulata
The Opiliones are known for having exceptionally long legs relative to their body size. They do not have silk glands and therefore do not build webs. The feeding apparatus (stomotheca) differs from most arachnids in that Opiliones can swallow chunks of solid food, not only liquids. Most species are omnivorous, eating primarily small insects and all kinds of plant material and fungi. Opiliones are typically found in damp, dark environments such as leaf litter, under rocks, and in caves. They are primarily nocturnal and tend to be more active at night.
Harvestmen (Unknown Species)
Opiliones (Order)
Description
Opiliones is an order of arachnids commonly known as harvestmen or daddy longlegs. They have a compact, usually oval body in which the cephalothorax and abdomen are broadly joined, and four pairs of long, jointed legs, although some species have relatively short legs. Most have a single pair of simple eyes, and unlike spiders they lack silk glands and venom fangs. Body form, colouration, and leg length vary greatly among the order.
Range
Opiliones occurs on every continent except Antarctica, with species found throughout tropical, subtropical, temperate, and montane regions. Mexico supports a diverse harvestman fauna, including many species in western and southern Mexico and Guerrero. Opiliones can be encountered around Zihuatanejo in suitable habitats.
Habitat
Harvestmen occupy a wide variety of terrestrial habitats, including tropical and temperate forests, dry forest, scrub, grassland, caves, leaf litter, rocky areas, tree trunks, and gardens. Many species favour shaded, humid microhabitats, while others are adapted to seasonally dry environments and shelter beneath rocks, logs, bark, or vegetation during hot and dry periods.
Diet
Opiliones are generally omnivorous and opportunistic. Depending on the species, they consume small insects and other invertebrates, fungi, carrion, decaying plant material, fruits, and other organic matter. Some species actively capture small prey, while others primarily scavenge or feed on plant and fungal material.