Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) as Overlooked Predators of Anurans in the Neotropics

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  Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) as Overlooked Predators of Anurans in the Neotropics ABSTRACT Arthropods are traditionally viewed as invertebrate prey and as predators of other invertebrates, whereas vertebrates are typically considered their predators. However, this paradigm has increasingly been challenged, particularly among arachnids. While several invertebrates are well documented as frog predators, the capacity of particular groups, such as harvestmen (Opiliones), to prey on vertebrates has remained largely anecdotal. Here we report novel field observations of anuran predation by multiple Cranaidae harvestman species across several Neotropical localities. These records include the active capture and consumption of live frogs, demonstrating their role as opportunistic mesopredators. Our findings expand current knowledge of Opiliones ecology by confirming that vertebrate predation occurs across multiple species and localities. Our results suggest that vertebrate consumption...

35th European Congress of Arachnology: Book of Abstracts

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35th European Congress of Arachnology: Book of Abstracts

The 35th European Congress of Arachnology was held in Zadar, Croatia, from 31 August to 5 September 2025, bringing together researchers, taxonomists, ecologists, and systematists from across Europe and beyond to exchange current knowledge on arachnid biology. This congress continued the long-standing tradition of the European arachnological community by providing a dedicated forum for the presentation and discussion of advances in taxonomy, phylogenetics, biogeography, ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservation of arachnids, while also fostering collaboration between established experts and emerging scholars in the field.

The link provided grants access to the official Book of Abstracts from the congress, which compiles the scientific contributions presented throughout the meeting. This volume reflects the breadth and depth of contemporary arachnological research, encompassing oral presentations, poster sessions, and thematic symposia that collectively highlight methodological innovation, novel taxonomic insights, and integrative approaches to arachnid science. As such, it serves not only as a record of the scientific discourse that took place in Zadar, but also as a valuable reference for researchers seeking to stay informed about current trends and ongoing work within the discipline.

By making the Book of Abstracts publicly available, the organizers of the 35th European Congress of Arachnology have contributed meaningfully to the dissemination of knowledge and the continued advancement of arachnological research. The materials accessible through this link will be of particular interest to scientists, students, and citizen researchers who wish to engage with the latest findings presented at the congress and to situate their own work within the broader context of contemporary European and international arachnology.

Congress Home Page: 35th European Congress of Arachnology

Book of Abstracts: 35th European Congress of Arachnology: Book of Abstracts