| Trogulus tricarinatus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Opiliones |
| Family: | Trogulidae |
| Genus: | Trogulus |
| Species: | T. tricarinatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Trogulus tricarinatus | |
| Synonyms | |
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Trogulus tricarinatus is a species of harvestman. It is found in Europe and North America.
Trogulus tricarinatus grows to between 7 and 9mm in both sexes. [1] The second pair of legs grow to 8mm. [1] The body is flattened and narrow. [1] [2] The legs are short and robust, with the front two pairs having two segments and the back two three. [1] Immature specimens are violet in colour. [2] They pass through six moults over a period of up to nine months before reaching adulthood. [3]
This harvestman is widespread in Europe (excluding Scandinavia) and has been introduced into North America. [3] It is rare in Britain, usually found only in the south. [1] It is generally found in calcareous areas, and is often found in leaf litter. [1] It moves slowly and is usually covered in particles of dirt. [2]
The openings of the scent glands in this species are not visible and the glands appear to have a non-defensive role. [4]
Trogulus tricarinatus feeds on snails and lays eggs in the empty shells. [3] It also feeds on insects and earthworms. [5]
It is similar to the smaller Anelasmocephalus cambridgei . [1]