Are Daddy Long Legs Spiders Dangerous to Humans?
The phrase "daddy long legs" often refers to two distinct creatures: harvestmen (order Opiliones) and cellar spiders (family Pholcidae). While both are arachnids and share some similarities, their danger to humans differs significantly.
Harvestmen: Not Spiders, Not Dangerous
Harvestmen, often mistakenly called "daddy long legs", are not true spiders. They lack the defining features of spiders, including silk glands and venom.
Why Harvestmen are Harmless:
- No Venom: Harvestmen don't possess venom glands or fangs, making them incapable of biting or injecting toxins.
- Defense Mechanisms: They primarily rely on defensive measures like escaping or releasing a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators.
- Not Harmful to Humans: They pose no threat to humans and are actually beneficial, consuming small insects and decaying organic matter.
Cellar Spiders: True Spiders with Weak Venom
Cellar spiders, the true "daddy long legs", are genuine spiders belonging to the Pholcidae family. They possess venom glands and fangs, but their venom is considered very weak and poses little to no threat to humans.
Why Cellar Spiders are Harmless to Humans:
- Weak Venom: Their venom is primarily used to subdue small insects and is not potent enough to cause significant harm to humans.
- Small Fangs: Their fangs are small and delicate, making it difficult for them to penetrate human skin.
- Defensive Behavior: They are typically shy and avoid contact with humans.
The Myth of "Most Venomous Spider":
The common misconception that cellar spiders are the "most venomous spider" is false. This myth likely stems from their long, thin legs and their ability to subdue relatively large insects, leading people to assume they must have potent venom.
In Conclusion:
Neither harvestmen nor cellar spiders pose any significant threat to humans. Harvestmen are not spiders and lack venom, while cellar spiders have weak venom and are unlikely to bite. They are generally harmless and even beneficial in controlling insect populations. So, the next time you see a "daddy long legs", there's no need to fear.
