Are Daddy Long Legs Actually Spiders?
Daddy long legs, with their spindly legs and awkward gait, are a common sight in homes and gardens. But despite their name and appearance, they are not actually spiders.
What are they then?
Daddy long legs belong to the order Opiliones, also known as harvestmen. They are arachnids, just like spiders, scorpions, and ticks, but they are in a separate order entirely. This means they share some common characteristics, like having eight legs and a segmented body, but they also have some distinct differences.
What sets them apart from spiders?
Here are some key differences that distinguish daddy long legs from spiders:
- Body Structure: Spiders have a two-part body, a cephalothorax and an abdomen, which are clearly separated. Daddy long legs, on the other hand, have a single, fused body with no visible division.
- Eyes: Spiders usually have eight eyes, while daddy long legs typically have only two eyes.
- Venom: Spiders are known for their venom, which they use to subdue their prey. Daddy long legs, however, are not venomous. They lack fangs and have no venom glands.
- Silk Production: Spiders produce silk from spinnerets on their abdomen to build webs and capture prey. Daddy long legs do not produce silk.
- Defensive Strategy: Spiders use their webs to catch prey and their venom to paralyze it. Daddy long legs, on the other hand, primarily defend themselves by releasing a foul-smelling liquid from their glands.
So, why the name "daddy long legs"?
This is a bit of a mystery. The name likely arose from the fact that they have extremely long legs, which are proportionally longer than those of any other arachnid.
Are daddy long legs harmful?
Daddy long legs are harmless to humans. They do not bite, and they pose no threat to humans. In fact, they are beneficial to humans as they feed on pests like insects.
In summary:
While daddy long legs share some similarities with spiders, they are distinct creatures belonging to a different order. They lack the defining characteristics of spiders, like venom, silk production, and a two-part body. So, the next time you see a daddy long leg, remember it's not a spider, but a harmless and fascinating creature in its own right.
