Are Daddy Long Legs One of the Most Poisonous Spiders in the World?
This is a common myth that has been around for a long time. While daddy long legs are indeed spiders, they are not among the most poisonous spiders in the world. The truth is, daddy long legs are not poisonous at all.
Here's why:
The Misconception
The belief that daddy long legs are highly poisonous stems from a few misconceptions:
- They have long, thin legs: Many people associate long legs with dangerous spiders, like the funnel-web spider. However, leg length is not a reliable indicator of a spider's venom potency.
- They can pierce human skin: It's often claimed that daddy long legs' fangs are too small to pierce human skin. This is partly true, but their fangs are actually designed to pierce the exoskeletons of insects, not human skin.
- They are easily killed by other spiders: This misconception likely arises from the fact that daddy long legs are often found in the same habitats as other spiders, and they are relatively small and vulnerable. However, this doesn't mean they are poisonous.
The Reality
Daddy long legs, also known as harvestmen, are actually arachnids, not true spiders. They belong to the order Opiliones, which is distinct from the order Araneae that includes spiders.
Here's what makes them different:
- No silk glands: Daddy long legs do not spin webs like spiders.
- One body segment: Their body is a single, fused unit, unlike spiders which have a distinct cephalothorax and abdomen.
- No venom glands: They do not have fangs or venom glands and therefore cannot inject venom into their prey.
Conclusion
The myth about daddy long legs being highly poisonous is simply untrue. These harmless creatures are often mistaken for spiders, but they pose no threat to humans. They are actually beneficial as they help control populations of insects.
