About Metaphalangium cirtanum (Koch, 1839)
Metaphalangium cirtanum (Koch, 1839) reaches an approximate body length of 4.5–9 millimetres (0.18–0.35 in) in both males and females. This is a quite common species of harvestman that shows some degree of polymorphism. Its basic coloration is reddish brown. Individuals usually have a dark brown, saddle-shaped marking that broadens into an angular shape across the middle of the abdomen. This saddle marking is partially outlined in white. A white longitudinal band runs from the eye-mound to the anus. The cephalothorax is denticulate in the area anterior to the eyes, and the tergites bear transverse rows of denticles. Small black thorns are present on the front portion of the body. The pedipalps are relatively strong and short. The legs are long and strong, and the femur usually bears strong denticles. Males typically have more developed chelicerae than females. Additionally, the first pair of legs in males, from the femur to the tibia, is greatly thickened. This species has a circum-Mediterranean distribution, and is present in Albania, Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Serbia, Spain and Tunisia. It mainly lives in sunny wastelands and rocky grasslands.
