Phalangium
Scientific name: Phalangium
Phalangium
Scientific name: Phalangium
Photo By Rosa-Maria Rinkl , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Despite its fear-inducing appearance, Phalangium, a member of the order Opiliones, often mistakenly called a spider, is quite harmless. Unlike spiders, Phalangium do not possess venom glands or silk-producing abilities. Their long, spindly legs, often erroneously believed to measure spiders and predict weather changes, are actually a defense mechanism, allowing them to detach a leg to escape predators. These fascinating creatures play a crucial role in natural pest control by feeding on smaller insects and plant matter.
Species of Phalangium
Photo By Rosa-Maria Rinkl , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original