The term “daddy long legs” often leads to confusion and misconceptions about the danger these creatures pose. This article clarifies the truth behind them, addressing common questions about their nature and whether they are indeed poisonous. Understanding the distinct types of organisms referred to by this name helps debunk popular myths.
What is a Daddy Long Legs?
The term “daddy long legs” refers to several different creatures. One common type is the harvestman, an arachnid (order Opiliones). Harvestmen are not true spiders; they have a single, fused body segment, typically two eyes, and lack venom glands and fangs. They do not produce silk or build webs.
Another creature often called a “daddy long legs” is the cellar spider (family Pholcidae). These are true spiders, possessing two distinct body segments, fangs, and venom glands. Cellar spiders are known for their long, thin legs and for constructing loose, messy webs in corners of homes. Occasionally, the term “daddy long legs” also refers to crane flies (Family Tipulidae), which are harmless insects resembling large mosquitoes. They are neither spiders nor arachnids.
Poison or Venom: Clarifying the Terms
Understanding the difference between “poisonous” and “venomous” is essential. A poisonous organism releases toxins when ingested or absorbed through touch. Examples include certain mushrooms or dart frogs, where harm occurs if you eat or contact their toxic substances.
In contrast, a venomous organism injects its toxins, typically through a bite or a sting. Spiders, snakes, and scorpions are examples of venomous animals. Spiders are considered venomous, not poisonous, because they inject their toxins. Harvestmen are not venomous.
Assessing the Danger
When assessing the danger of “daddy long legs,” it is important to distinguish between the different creatures. Harvestmen are completely harmless to humans; they lack fangs or venom glands. Some harvestmen can secrete a foul-smelling fluid as a defense, but this substance is not harmful.
Cellar spiders, while venomous, pose virtually no threat to humans. Their venom is very mild and not medically significant. Although their fangs are small, they can penetrate human skin, but bites are extremely rare and typically result in only a slight, temporary irritation, often less potent than a bee sting. Crane flies, also called “daddy long legs,” are insects that cannot bite humans and possess no venom or poison.
Dispelling the Myths
A persistent urban legend claims that “daddy long legs” are the most venomous spiders, but their fangs are too short to bite humans. This widely circulated story is false. Harvestmen lack venom entirely, and cellar spider venom is weak, posing no danger to people.
Cellar spiders are often observed preying on other spiders, including black widows. This likely contributes to the exaggerated myth about their venom potency. However, cellar spiders use their long legs and silk to ensnare and immobilize prey, rather than relying on exceptionally potent venom. Both harvestmen and cellar spiders play beneficial roles in ecosystems: harvestmen act as scavengers and predators of small invertebrates, and cellar spiders help control insect populations within homes.