Are Flying Daddy Long Legs Poisonous

2 min read Sep 05, 2024
Are Flying Daddy Long Legs Poisonous

Are Flying Daddy Long Legs Poisonous?

The term "flying daddy long legs" can be a bit confusing, as it often refers to two different types of creatures:

  • Crane Flies: These are true flies with long, spindly legs, and they are often mistaken for daddy long legs.
  • Harvestmen: These are arachnids, not insects, and they are the true "daddy long legs" that most people think of. Harvestmen don't actually fly.

So, which one are we talking about? Let's break it down:

Crane Flies

Crane flies are not poisonous, and they don't even bite. They are harmless creatures that are often seen hovering around lights or flying near water. They feed on nectar and pollen, and they are actually beneficial to the ecosystem as they help pollinate plants.

Harvestmen

Harvestmen are also not poisonous and they don't bite. They do have fangs, but they lack the venom glands necessary to inject poison. Harvestmen are actually scavengers and feed on decaying matter, which makes them beneficial to the environment.

In summary: Whether you're talking about crane flies or harvestmen, both are harmless and not poisonous. So, you can rest assured that those "flying daddy long legs" aren't a threat to you or your pets.