About Leiobunum rotundum (Latreille, 1798)
Leiobunum rotundum is a species of harvestman that is chestnut-brown in color. It has a small, smooth, very long, round or oval body, thin black legs, and no separation between its head and abdomen. If at risk of predation, this harvestman can self-amputate its legs, though the legs do not regenerate afterwards. It does not have fangs, poison glands, or silk glands, but it can protect itself using scent glands located on the front of its body. The scent glands produce a secretion that repels predators. This species has three distinct types of nephrocytes. Numerous large nephrocytes form clusters between muscles in the anterior region of the body. Smaller nephrocytes are scattered throughout the body, and often adhere to tracheoles. The third type of nephrocyte attaches to the heart wall via connective ligaments. The tracheal morphology of this species is very similar to that of Nemastoma lugubre. This harvestman is widespread across Britain, including the Channel Islands. It can also be found on the Canary Islands and in Africa. As of 2023, this species is considered newly introduced to British Columbia, Canada, and Washington, United States. It inhabits areas among vegetation including long grass, herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees.
