Dicranopalpus ramosus species account

Dicranopalpus ramosus is a quite long legged species, with especially the second pair reaching up to 5 cm, stretched out sideways in a peculiar manner when resting. The bodies of the males has a length of up to 4 mm long and females up to 6 mm.

The patellae of the pedipalpi carry a distinct elongated apophysis that reaches almost to the end of the tibia. This makes the pedipalpi look forked. On the females this apophysis is broadly rounded at the tip and covered with fine hairs. In the males the apophysis is mostly bare and the tip is sharply pointed.

Dicranopalpus ramosus female (left) and male (right)

The body of the males is brownish with dark markings, often with a narrow black band across the eyes resulting in these being nicknamed "Zorro". The females are lighter, more greyish colored and usually carry one or two black transverse band(s) toward the rear. The body of adult females also has a very characteristic shape, being narrower but rather high toward the end.

D. ramosus characteristic female habitus

Dicranopalpus ramosus is a relatively new species of harvestman for Britain. Adults can be found from August to November, mostly in gardens and on outer walls, but sometimes also inside. The traditional method of collecting invertebrates does not prove adequate: of 103 individuals captured in Belgium, only one was found in a pitfall; all others were collected by hand.

Related links:

Dicranopalpus ramosus @NBN: Taxonomy; Grid map; Interactive map;