| Metaphalangium cirtanum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Metaphalangium cirtanum | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Opiliones |
| Family: | Phalangiidae |
| Genus: | Metaphalangium |
| Species: | M. cirtanum |
| Binomial name | |
| Metaphalangium cirtanum (C.L. Koch, 1839) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Metaphalangium cirtanum is a species of harvestman belonging to the family Phalangiidae.
This species has a circum-Mediterranean distribution. It is present in Albania, Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Serbia, Spain and Tunisia. [1] [2]
This species mainly inhabits sunny wasteland and rocky grassland. [1] [3]
Metaphalangium cirtanum can reach approximately a body length of 4.5–9 millimetres (0.18–0.35 in) in both sexes. [1] [3] These quite common harvestmen present some degree of polymorphism. The basic coloration is reddish brown. They usually show a dark brown saddle-shaped marking broadened angularly in the middle of the abdomen. The saddle-shaped marking is partially outlined in white. A white longitudinal band runs from eye-mound to anus. Cephalothorax is denticulate anterior to the eyes, tergites have transversal rows of denticles. On the front body there is a small black thorns. Pedipalps are rather strong and short. Legs are long and strong and femur usually has strong denticles. Chelicerae of males are usually more developed than those of females. Furthermore, in males legs I (from femur to tibia) are greatly thickened. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Adults can be found from June to August. [7] It is not dangerous to humans nor pets. Like all harvestmen, it has no venom glands and no fangs. At most, if handled roughly, harvestmen can release a smelly defensive secretion, which might be mildly irritating but not dangerous. [8]
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