They can be separated from spiders which have two distinct body segments because harvestmen have the entire body as one unit. Eighteen species are reported from Texas. Harvestmen are primarily predaceous on insects and other arthropods, but sometimes feed on dead insects and plant juices. These glands produce a smelly fluid which may be the reason for the common belief that they are poisonous. No scientific literature verifies that claim.
Some species occur nearly everywhere.
They are especially common in wooded areas, under rocks or logs, caves, and similar sheltered areas. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.