Megabunus diadema
3-4mm species of harvestman with a conspicuous 'ocularium' - a protruding structure in which its eyes are located. This ocularium also has a row of spikes over each eye - like spiked eye-lashes.
It feeds amongst mosses and lichens, often in woodland. The saddle-like shape on its back provides excellent camouflage.
All year round, but peaking between May and August in England.
Batches of about 30 eggs are deposited among leaf litter or on the soil. The larvae have an egg tooth.
Widespread and fairly frequent throughout Britain.
Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.
David Nicholls
Groby Pool Quarry
21 April 2012
AJ Cann
Martinshaw
12 March 2023
Mark Skevington
Ketton Quarry
11 April 2014
Graham Calow
Jubilee Walk Leire
13 June 2012
David Nicholls
Groby Pool Quarry
21 April 2012
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Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020
UK Map
Species profile
- Species group:
- harvestman (Opiliones)
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Opiliones
- Family:
- Phalangiidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 8
- First record:
- 14/06/2008 (Nicholls, David)
- Last record:
- 30/05/2023 (Timms, Sue)
Total records by month
% of records within its species group
10km squares with records
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Latest images
Latest records
AJ Cann
Martinshaw
12 March 2023
Mark Skevington
Ketton Quarry
11 April 2014
David Nicholls
Groby Pool Quarry
21 April 2012
David Nicholls
Martinshaw Wood
14 June 2008
David Nicholls
Groby Pool Quarry
21 April 2012
