Opilio canestrinii, the Red Harvestman

[fredg]

Thirty years ago this chap ( yes it's male) would have only been seen in the Appenines (Italy). But like its historical human counterparts the Romans it has taken Europe by storm. Why the sudden expansion of its territory? No-one knows. It has almost conquered every corner of the UK, the rest will soon follow.

Dates of recording ( Conquest years) Denmark 1987 - Sweden 1990 - Holland 1993 - England 1999. Looking at the distribution map for Nottinghamshire, that one shouldn't have been here

 

[KATastrophe]

Eeek!

 

[marcus_r]

Global warming?

 

[fredg]

More likely eggs being transported in plant medium.

 

[SubRosa]

Yes, as hot as it may be, the Channel is still full of saltwater.

 

[Cruzzfish]

I think I've seen these in the US.

 

[DragonsEye]

Don't know if the orangish/reddish ones we have in the US are the same species or not.