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Harvestman caught in mid-molt?
July 15, 2009
Came across this sight on the side of a tree today, I wish these photos were clearer! The white/clear legs on the bottom caught my eye and I believe this daddy long legs is in the middle of molting. I found other similar photos on the site, thought you’d like a few more.
Kyle C.
Hatfield, MA

Harvestman: Molting? or Fungus?

Hi Kyle,
About a week ago, we posted a very similar image, and Eric Eaton thought the Harvestman was attacked by fungus.  Your photo inclines us to believe that this might actually be a photo of molting, and that the other photo is molting as well. It seems there are too many legs visible for this to be a fungus attack.

Harvestman: Molting? or Fungus?

Update:  from Eric Eaton
I agree that THIS one looks like it is molting.  I’ll stand by my answer to the last one, too:-)
Eric

Related Posts

1. Long Legged Fly attacked by Fungus (August 31, 2005)
2. Harvestman carrying Mites (April 24, 2008)
3. Fungus Attack (September 19, 2005)
4. Harvestman (November 17, 2008)
5. Harvestman, Molting? or attacked by Fungus? (July 13, 2009)