The common term “Daddy Long Legs” frequently leads to confusion regarding whether these creatures are spiders. This article aims to clarify the distinctions among the various animals commonly referred to by this name.
The Confusing Truth: Multiple “Daddy Long Legs”
The term “Daddy Long Legs” is ambiguous, referring to several distinct creatures, some of which are spiders and some are not. Specifically, it can refer to three main groups: Harvestmen, which belong to the order Opiliones; Cellar Spiders, which are true spiders in the family Pholcidae; and Crane Flies, which are insects belonging to the family Tipulidae. Understanding these different classifications helps to clarify the initial question.
Harvestmen: The Non-Spider “Daddy Long Legs”
Harvestmen, scientifically known as Opiliones, are arachnids but are not true spiders. They are often the primary source of the “not a spider” confusion. Unlike spiders, Harvestmen have a single, fused body segment where their cephalothorax and abdomen appear as one oval structure, lacking the distinct waist seen in spiders. They typically possess only two eyes, usually located on a raised mound in the middle of their body, whereas most spiders have multiple pairs of eyes.
Harvestmen do not produce silk and therefore cannot spin webs. They also lack venom glands and fangs, possessing instead chelicerae, which are pincer-like mouthparts used for grasping and tearing food. Their diet is varied; many species are omnivores or scavengers, feeding on small insects, decaying plant matter, fungi, and even dead organisms. Harvestmen are harmless to humans and may release a foul-smelling fluid as a defense mechanism when disturbed.
Cellar Spiders: The True Spider “Daddy Long Legs”
Cellar Spiders, members of the family Pholcidae, are true spiders. These spiders have two distinct body segments: a cephalothorax and a separate abdomen, characteristic of all spiders. They typically have eight eyes, often arranged in two groups of three with an additional pair, though some species may have six eyes.
Cellar Spiders produce silk and construct irregular, messy webs, commonly found in dark, damp places like basements and corners of rooms. They hang upside down in their webs, waiting to trap prey. Their diet primarily consists of insects and other spiders, which they immobilize using their long legs and silk. While they do possess venom and fangs, their venom is not considered medically significant to humans, and they are generally harmless. When disturbed, Cellar Spiders often vibrate rapidly in their webs, a behavior that may deter predators.
Identifying and Understanding the “Long Legs”
Distinguishing between the creatures known as “Daddy Long Legs” involves observing their physical characteristics and behaviors. Harvestmen have a single, fused body part and do not spin webs. They also lack fangs and venom. Cellar Spiders, in contrast, possess two distinct body segments and build messy, irregular webs. They are true spiders with fangs and venom. Crane Flies, the third group, are insects with six legs, wings, and a mosquito-like appearance, clearly differentiating them from arachnids.
A widespread myth suggests that “Daddy Long Legs” are the most venomous creatures but are unable to bite humans due to short fangs. This is false. While Cellar Spiders do have venom and can bite, their venom is not potent enough to cause significant harm to humans. Crane Flies, being insects, also pose no threat. All three types of “Daddy Long Legs” are considered harmless to humans.