The term “daddy long legs” often brings to mind a creature with long, slender limbs, prompting questions about whether it poses a threat or bites. This common curiosity stems from widespread misconceptions. Clarifying the identities of these animals can help demystify their presence in our homes.
Unpacking “Daddy Long Legs”
The popular name “daddy long legs” refers to at least three distinct types of arthropods, leading to confusion. One group is harvestmen (order Opiliones), which are arachnids but not true spiders. Harvestmen have a single, oval body segment and typically possess two eyes. Unlike spiders, they do not have venom glands or produce silk for webs. Many species are omnivores, feeding on small insects, decaying matter, and plant material.
Another creature commonly called “daddy long legs” is the cellar spider (family Pholcidae). These are true spiders with two distinct body segments: a cephalothorax and an abdomen. Cellar spiders are characterized by their very long, thin legs and typically build loose, messy webs in corners. They possess fangs and venom glands, distinguishing them from harvestmen.
Finally, crane flies (family Tipulidae) are sometimes mistakenly identified as “daddy long legs.” These are insects, not arachnids, and resemble oversized mosquitoes with long, delicate legs. Adult crane flies are short-lived, with many species having underdeveloped mouthparts or feeding only on nectar.
Do They Bite Humans?
The question of biting varies significantly depending on which “daddy long legs” is in question. Harvestmen do not bite humans. Their mouthparts are designed for tearing food into small pieces and are not strong enough to penetrate human skin.
Cellar spiders, as true spiders, possess fangs and are technically capable of biting. However, bites to humans are exceedingly rare. Their fangs are very short, making it difficult to break human skin. Even if a bite occurs, it typically causes no significant effect.
Crane flies, being insects, do not bite or sting at all. Many adult crane fly species either lack mouthparts or are only equipped to drink nectar, posing no threat to humans.
The Truth About Their Venom and Effects
A common myth suggests that “daddy long legs” possess extremely potent venom but cannot bite humans due to short fangs. This belief is false. Harvestmen are not venomous; they do not produce venom. Some species may release a foul-smelling defensive fluid when disturbed, but this substance is harmless to humans.
Cellar spiders, while venomous like most spiders, have venom that is very mild and poses no medical threat to humans. If a bite does happen, which is uncommon, any resulting irritation would likely be negligible, similar to a minor insect bite. The myth about their potent venom likely originated from observations of cellar spiders preying on more dangerous spiders, like black widows, leading to an incorrect assumption about their venom’s strength.