About Rilaena triangularis (Herbst, 1799)
Rilaena triangularis is a species of harvestman. It was first scientifically described by Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Herbst in 1799, originally under the name Phalangium triangularis, and was later renamed through recombination. The specific epithet triangularis refers to the characteristic 'saddle pattern' on its dorsal back surface: this marking is usually slightly darker than the surrounding body, and is shaped like a triangle or a vase. The darker marking is typically outlined by a lighter whitish or pale yellow colour. Aggregated occurrence records in GBIF show Rilaena triangularis is found across Europe, with the exceptions of Spain and Portugal. It has also been observed in the northwestern and northeastern corners of the United States. This species lives in forests, floodplain forests, and fens.
