The term “daddy long legs” often causes confusion because it applies to several distinct creatures. Identifying the sex of these animals is challenging due to their small size and subtle distinguishing features. This article clarifies these distinctions, providing insights into how to discern male from female among these commonly named creatures.
Understanding “Daddy Long Legs”
The phrase “daddy long legs” refers to at least three different arthropods, each requiring a different approach for sex identification. Harvestmen (Opiliones) are arachnids with a single, fused body segment and no silk glands. They are not venomous and primarily consume decaying matter or small insects. Cellar spiders (Pholcidae) are also arachnids, possessing two distinct body segments and producing silk for irregular webs. Their venom is not considered harmful to humans. Crane flies (Diptera: Tipulidae) are true insects, distinct from arachnids, known for their long, slender legs and small bodies. Understanding which creature is being observed is the first step, as sex identification methods vary greatly between these groups.
Sex Differences in Harvestmen
Distinguishing male from female harvestmen often requires close observation, potentially with a magnifying aid. Males frequently exhibit more prominent or modified chelicerae (mouthparts), sometimes featuring small projections or tubercles. These structures can appear more robust or ornate in males. Subtle differences can also be observed in the pedipalps, which are leg-like appendages near the mouth; males might display slight variations in their size or shape. Females may tend to have a slightly larger or more rounded abdomen, especially when gravid with eggs. However, body size alone is not a definitive indicator as it can vary based on age and nutrition. Female harvestmen also possess an ovipositor, a tube-like organ used for laying eggs, which is typically retracted.
Sex Differences in Cellar Spiders
Identifying the sex of cellar spiders primarily relies on examining their pedipalps. Male cellar spiders possess distinctly modified pedipalps, which are small, leg-like appendages located near their mouthparts. These pedipalps appear swollen or club-like, resembling miniature boxing gloves, and are specifically adapted for sperm transfer during mating. Conversely, female cellar spiders have pedipalps that are slender and simple, appearing more like small, unmodified legs. Females also have an epigynum, a hardened plate on the underside of their abdomen that covers the reproductive opening. However, this structure is often too small and requires significant magnification for clear observation by a casual observer. While males are generally smaller and more slender than females, the most reliable and easily observable difference remains the appearance of the male’s modified pedipalps.