Dicranopalpus ramosus (Simon, 1909)

The body length typically ranges from 3 to 4 millimeters in males and 4 to 6 millimeters in females, though their legs can span up to 50 millimeters. Specific measurements for males and females are well-documented, while nymphal stages vary significantly by instar.

Originally native to North Africa (Morocco), this species has successfully colonized Western and Northern Europe. Verified records exist for the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Poland. It is frequently associated with human-mediated transport, leading to a patchy but rapidly expanding distribution.

This species occupies a variety of environments, ranging from its original Mediterranean scrub to European urban gardens, parks, and diverse woodland strata. It is known to inhabit both the lower forest floor and upper canopy layers, showing high adaptability to varying microhabitats including the walls of buildings where it is frequently observed resting.

Primarily active from late summer through autumn, adults are most frequently recorded between August and November. During the day, they exhibit a characteristic resting posture with their legs spread out laterally in a star-like pattern against flat surfaces, likely a form of crypsis.

A generalist predator and scavenger, its diet consists of small invertebrates such as aphids, flies, and other soft-bodied arthropods. Research indicates it occupies a specific macronutrient niche, often selecting for higher proportions of carbohydrates compared to smaller, short-legged harvestman species.

As with most Opiliones, this species is solitary and does not form colonies; however, individuals may be found in close proximity in high-quality habitats or urban refugia during the breeding season.