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Overview

Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) are a fascinating order of arthropods. From thorny crowns (Megabunus diadema) to sticky springtail-catching pedipalps (Mitostoma chrysomelas), their morphology alone is definitely worth a second look. Most people aren't even aware that they have crab-like claws for tearing up food and eating, or that not all Harvestmen are long-legged balls on stilts!

There are at least 20 species of harvestmen recorded in Ireland, with ever-increasing opportunities to record new species to the country due to the high number of range-shifting species and non-native introductions.

Despite this, they are a distinctly under-appreciated arachnid order and may be ignored or overlooked by many. Yet there is so much more to learn about them! If you're looking for a new species-limited taxon to discover, surely the Opiliones are where it's at...

Join Joshua Clarke, conservation officer for Buglife and Irish Naturalist Journal grantee, in collaboration with entomologist Brian Murray (Bees & Wasps of Ireland / microWild), to explore harvestmen at the incredibly peaceful Baltyboys House Estate, in Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

The workshop will last roughly 4 hours and will involve a talk exploring harvestmen, with a chance to learn about the different survey techniques involved in finding them. Different cohorts of harvestmen are present throughout the year, and thus, different survey techniques are required to find them. We will also have an opportunity to explore the biodiversity present on the microWild estate (hopefully including some harvestmen!)

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in exploring biodiversity outside the typical and is a perfect gateway for those seeking to develop or build on field ID skills.

All funds raised will help the ongoing conservation work at the microWild site.

This event has been made possible by grant funding from the Irish Naturalist's Journal.