Harvestmen (Opiliones): The arachnids that walk on stilts

Harvestmen are an oft-overlooked order of arachnids that are frequently mistaken for spiders. Known in some regions of the world for their tendency to aggregate into enormous clumps, the Australian species are by these standards, quite shy. Not only are they often decked out with armour, spines and weaponry, they also have some amazing behaviours - including taking care of their offspring.

Robust Harvestman (Heteronuncia robusta). Koah, QLD.

Robust Harvestman (Heteronuncia robusta) carrying juvenile.

Robust Harvestmen (Heteronuncia robusta) mating.

Neopantopsalis sp., likely undescribed. Atherton Tablelands, QLD.

Nelima doriae. Streatham, Victoria.

Neopantopsalis sp. male and female, Atherton Tablelands, QLD.

Nelima doriae, Victoria.