Species Insects & ArthropodsEastern Harvestman

Eastern Harvestman

Leiobunum vittatum

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Eastern Harvestman (Leiobunum vittatum)

The Eastern Harvestman (Daddy Longlegs) is not a spider but a separate arachnid order with an oval, compact body fused into one segment and legs that can be 20 times its body length. It lacks venom glands and silk glands entirely, so it cannot bite or build webs. When disturbed, aggregations of harvestmen cling together and undulate as a group to deter predators.

Habitat
Forests, gardens, basements, and humid woodland areas
Diet
Adults: fungi, decaying plant matter, small invertebrates, and dead organic matter
How common
Common

Best time to see a Eastern Harvestman

The best time to see a Eastern Harvestman is June–September, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,791 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Eastern Harvestman sightings near you

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