ARACHNIDA > OPILIONES > Phalangiidae > Oligolophinae

Paroligolophus agrestris is a relatively small, 4-5mm body length, medium-legged species with rather variable dorsal markings.

The female of this species is normally more richly marked than the male, although from advice I've been given it's best to assume that you can't determine the sex from photos. They generally have a pinkish to reddish-brown colouration usually with a more or less well-defined pale median longitudinal stripe. The saddle, if present, widens considerably roughly halfway down the abdomen into a characteristic darkened lateral band that extends for about three tergites before narrowing abruptly or terminating in a pair of dark patches. In well-marked specimens the interior part of the saddle is often a strong pinkish colour.

The ocularium is smooth, without tubercles, usually silvery-white or buff with just a few fine bristles. With males and older females, it may be darker, but the lack of tubercles helps identify the species. The trident is quite small and inconspicuous with the central member being the largest, usually set forward of the two either side. There are also two, sometimes three, further small tubercles directly behind so, in effect, there's a group of five or six. The arrangement looks a bit like a tiny crown, but will only be properly visible with a hand lens or from a very detailed and well-focused close-up photo.

The legs are not specifically mentioned in descriptions, but the 1st, 3rd and 4th pairs are noticeably thicker for the first 40% or so of their length; effectively the femur, patella and tibia.

Paroligolophus agrestris is a very common and well-recorded species across most areas of the country where it can be found in a variety of habitats including woodland, grassland, heathland, parks and gardens. I've found them in most of these places, as well as at home where I often see them resting in the sun on the house wall. Adults are active from late summer to early winter, but with a clear peak in September.