Most species live for only one year. Habits Harvestmen are most commonly found in late summer when they have reached adult size. They are usually found in cool sheltered areas, such as near trees or structures. They need lots of moisture to survive, drinking from puddles and other water sources. Harvestmen are generally nocturnal and solitary, although occasionally they may be found in groups with legs entwined in protected areas such as holes in trees.
Harvestmen are generally leisurely in their movements, but can move rapidly when disturbed.
A pair of pores on each side of the body release a fluid that smells somewhat like walnuts or horse radish, barely detected by us, but obnoxious to toads or birds. The same glands also produce a fluid that lays down a trail for other harvestmen to follow. Diet Harvestmen generally feed on dead insects, although they will kill very small insects and mites when possible. Prey includes leafhoppers, aphids, snails, earthworms, flies, true spiders, other daddy-longlegs and insect eggs. They do not spin webs to catch prey.