Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Spiney Opilion ID'd as Megabunus diadema by Gunnar M Kvifte

Posted by Roger Thomason on 11-12-2009 19:49
#1
Found this one on the greenhouse today....Body size approx. 2-3 mm.
Edited by Roger Thomason on 12-12-2009 14:27

Posted by Gunnar M Kvifte on 11-12-2009 21:13
#2
My guess is Megabunus diadema (Fabricius, 1779). This species is easily recognised by the long spines on the eye tubercle.

The colors on this great photo aren't matching specimens I have seen, but coloration is very variable in Opiliones and I have only seen parthenogenetic females from Western Norway.

Posted by Roger Thomason on 12-12-2009 12:03
#3
Thanks Gunnar,
That's Western Norwegian females for you...Grin
I've replaced the original photo's with these three slightly better pics of one found this morning.
Spikey little thing..Cool
Roger
Edited by Roger Thomason on 12-12-2009 14:42

Posted by cyprinoid on 12-12-2009 19:44
#4
That's Western Norwegian females for you...


HEY! Angry





Grin
Edited by cyprinoid on 12-12-2009 19:57

Posted by Roger Thomason on 12-12-2009 21:31
#5
Relax....Only kidding.....Smile......My Father-in Law was from Verdal, up near Trondheim. Nothing wrong with Norwegian Females Wink

Posted by cyprinoid on 12-12-2009 23:30
#6
I know, it's all good.

Wery nice pics of bizzare creature by the way, I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting this one.