ARACHNIDA > OPILIONES > Phalangiidae > Dicranopalpinae

Dicranopalpus ramosus is a medium size, 3-6mm body length, long-legged species which, for many years, was considered to be the most distinctive and easily recognisable harvestmen in Britain due to its unique resting posture and divided 'forked' palps. That all changed in 2015 though when a near identical species was discovered in the way of Dicranopalpus caudatus, previously considered a variant or subspecies.

Although there are distinguishing characters that may be discernable in the field, the current 'rules' determine that the two species are inseparable without proper examination and, therefore, should be recorded as Dicranopalpus ramosus agg. For a definitive identity it would be necessary to view the specimen under a microscope.

The long pedipalps have an extended apophysis from the patella forming a 'tuning fork', the unusual form of which is reflected in the genus name Dicranopalpus. There is some sexual dimorphism in these species with the male having a shorter body than the female, but a better way of confirming the sex is to look at the protuberance on the palps and liken them to a thumb. If they're fat and club shaped, then it's a female, but if they're thin and spindly, it's a male. The majority of the individuals I've photographed have been females, so there are only two males featured below.  

The species was pretty well recorded prior to Dicranopalpus caudatus being added to the list, but since then some previous records have been questioned and/or reassessed. The consequence is that over the past few years confirmed sightings of Dicranopalpus ramosus have really dropped off and, according to the NBN Atlas at least, there are no records for Dicranopalpus caudatus.

They are regarded as a species more likely to be seen in gardens, parks and cemeteries with ornamental trees and shrubs rather than more traditional habitats such as woodland, but from my limited experience, I've probably found them as much in woodland as I have in the garden. In fact, most of those that I have found at home have been sitting on hard surfaces such as the sides of flower pots or on the house wall where they're easily spotted. When fully relaxed, they tend to rest with their legs fully outstretched and almost parallel with each other, as the final photo.

Adults are active from around June or July, peaking in August and September, and declining towards the end of the year, but with some individuals persisting right through the winter if the weather conditions aren't too harsh. Juveniles hatch late spring and will generally remain at lower levels than later instars and adults that will normally be found higher up.