A visual pun? Harvest Men protecting the harvest.

[JBW]

Some of my readers, and Donna knows who she is, don’t appreciate my macro spider work as much as others do. So Donna, please note that the beauties in this shot are not spiders. They are Harvestmen. The thought does cross my mind that those who dislike spiders will probably not be huge fans of Harvestmen but such is life.

As always, shot in our garden/temple somewhere in the Philippines.

Sony Alpha a68 ~ Tamron 90mm 272E Macro Lens ~ ISO 100 ~ Shutter Speed 0.2s ~ F/16 ~ Natural Light

Brian

[Geoff F]

As I have said before; harvestmen are fascinating creatures. They may have 8 legs but don't spin webs or have poison fangs. The head, thorax and abdomen are fused together not jointed like spiders and they aren't as 'hairy' as spiders.

Always a tricky subject for me and I am surprised by your success with such a slow shutter speed. Most harvestmen which I encounter are rushing around in the undergrowth and refuse to pose for a portrait photo.

[Tom Barry]

Fascinating critters, and visually punny.

[JBW]

As I have said before; harvestmen are fascinating creatures. They may have 8 legs but don't spin webs or have poison fangs. The head, thorax and abdomen are fused together not jointed like spiders and they aren't as 'hairy' as spiders.

Always a tricky subject for me and I am surprised by your success with such a slow shutter speed. Most harvestmen which I encounter are rushing around in the undergrowth and refuse to pose for a portrait photo.

There were perhaps a dozen simply sitting on the plant. I don't recall seeing Harvestmen on the move. Maybe the endless summer makes them more laid back?

[JBW]

Fascinating critters, and visually punny.

They are indeed. I got a reasonable macro shot of one a while back with some nice colour.

[Stagecoach]

Fascinating critters Brian.

And for getting two bodies in focus, full marks

[JBW]

Fascinating critters Brian.

And for getting two bodies in focus, full marks

A little good old fashioned luck never hurts

[Jim A]

Great Pics, Brian, and very interesting! I was not aware of these creatures and presumed that we do not have them here in New Zealand. However I googled and yes, we certainly have. Apparently the NZ ones are different in having no eye? I am presuming the word eye is used in the usual sense, though it may be referring to something else called an eye. I like the way in which you have three shown, for as usual an odd number works.

[JBW]

I did a bit of googling and found this diagram: (which of course will not upload) showing an eye mound in a NZ harvestmen.

I was tempted to narrow the shot to just 2 but it just didn't work.

[TallTree]

Daddy Long Legs?

[Wavelength]

Wonderful, Brian; what they feed on? plant sap or fluids of tiny creatures? The close up is frightening and give ideas for Hollywoodeans....

[Geoff F]

Harvestmen tend to have a varied diet. Some will feed on decayed plant material while others will take any soft bodied creatures which the encounter, such as caterpillars etc. They are a diverse family which is scattered all around our world. Although not true spiders they are very close to that group; but don't spin webs or have poison glands to subdue their prey.

[Wavelength]

Thank you for the information, Geoff