Bone Cave Harvestman (Texella reyesi)
TPWD ©
- Texas Status
- Endangered
- U.S. Status
- Endangered, Listed 9/16/1988
- Description
- The Bone Cave Harvestman is a long-legged, blind, pale orange harvestman less than 1/8 inch in length (about 1.4 to 2.7 millimeters).
- Life History
- The Bone Cave harvestman is especially sensitive to low humidity. They are most often found under large rocks, but are occasionally seen walking on moist floors. In the hottest part of the summer when small caves warm up and become drier, they can be found only in the coolest, dampest spots. Bone Cave harvestmen consume tiny invertebrates. They do not have distinct seasonal reproductive cycles and their population numbers are unknown.
- Habitat
- These insects live in caves under large rocks or on moist floors.
- Distribution
- It is found in the Edwards Plateau, Travis and Williamson counties, Texas.
- Other
- The primary threat to the Bone Cave harvestman and other endangered cave invertebrates is the loss of habitat due to urban development. Many caves have been paved over or filled in. Other caves have been altered so that they no longer provide the stable temperatures and high humidity needed to support these animals. Contamination by pollutants is also a threat to their survival.
