© Photo by Ben Keywood Harvestman Spider Phalangium opilio Harvestmen are a common and widespread group of long-legged invertebrates and about 25 species live in the UK. © Photo by Nick Upton/2020VISION Harvestmen are arachnids and, as such, are related to spiders and scorpions. They are predators, eating smaller invertebrates which they catch using hooks at the ends of their legs. Harvestmen can be found in leaf litter, amongst foliage and in grass in many habitats. They also often come into houses. How to Identify As a group, harvestmen are easy to identify: they have eight very long, spindly legs and a small, round body without a ‘waist’. Where to Find Widespread. How people can help You can encourage minibeasts into your garden by providing logs, stone piles and compost heaps for them to hide, feed and breed in, along with flowers and nettle patches. In turn, other species will be attracted to the garden, as minibeasts are a food source for many animals, including mammals, birds and amphibians, providing a vital link in the food chain. To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there’s plenty of facts and tips to get you started. Did you know? Unlike spiders, harvestmen don’t spin silk and don’t produce venom. Key FactsBody length: up to 8 mmLeg span: up to 5 cm Donate Donate to help support Harvestman Spiders and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Cinnabar Invertebrates Common Blue Invertebrates Common Woodlouse Invertebrates Four-Spotted Chaser Invertebrates Honey Bee Invertebrates Magpie Moth Invertebrates Mayfly Invertebrates Meadow Brown Butterfly Invertebrates Orange-Tip Butterfly Invertebrates Painted Lady Butterfly Invertebrates Peacock Butterfly Invertebrates Speckled Wood Butterfly Invertebrates White-tailed Bumblebee Invertebrates Wood Ant Invertebrates