Are Daddy Long Legs Poisonous to Other Spiders?
The common name "Daddy Long Legs" can refer to two different types of arachnids: harvestmen (order Opiliones) and cellar spiders (family Pholcidae). While both are often mistaken for spiders, only cellar spiders are true spiders.
Harvestmen are not poisonous to other spiders, or any other creature for that matter. They lack venom glands and fangs, relying on their long legs to escape from predators. They are also not spiders in the strict sense, belonging to a different order of arachnids.
Cellar spiders, on the other hand, are true spiders and do possess venom. However, their venom is weak and primarily used to subdue small insects.
Here's the breakdown:
- Harvestmen: Not spiders, no venom, not poisonous.
- Cellar spiders: True spiders, have venom, but not poisonous to other spiders.
The misconception about daddy long legs being poisonous to other spiders stems from a popular myth. It is often claimed that they are the most venomous spider in the world, but their fangs are too small to pierce human skin. This claim is completely false. While they can bite, their venom is not harmful to humans.
In summary, daddy long legs, regardless of whether they are harvestmen or cellar spiders, are not poisonous to other spiders. They are simply not equipped with the necessary tools to cause harm to other arachnids.
