Harvestman (Leiobunum rotundum)

Nature is a wonderful thing (if you can call all of nature a 'thing'). The body of this harvestmen is barely 3mm long from tip to tail and yet the legs are seven or eight times longer! How can a small body like that manoeuvre eight long legs and keep them synchronised? Not only that, if you disturb one you will see just how quickly it gets its act together and gets mobile!

That small round single body contains not only its vital organs, but also some sort of brain and enough muscles to move eight long legs. Incredible!

These are insect feeders but they do not spin webs to catch their prey. They use speed and surprise - all coordinated through that tiny little control centre in the middle which also houses some pretty strong 'fangs' and a mouth capable of consuming insects larger than itself.

Isn't nature amazing?

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