Are Daddy Long Legs Spiders?
The term "daddy long legs" is often used to refer to two very different creatures: harvestmen and cellar spiders. While both are arachnids, they are not true spiders and belong to different orders.
Harvestmen (Opiliones)
- Not spiders: Harvestmen are not spiders, but belong to the order Opiliones. They are more closely related to scorpions and ticks.
- Single body segment: Unlike spiders, harvestmen have a single body segment, meaning their head, thorax, and abdomen are fused together.
- Two eyes: They have only two eyes located in the center of their head.
- No silk: Harvestmen do not produce silk or build webs.
- Long legs: Harvestmen are known for their incredibly long legs, which are often much longer than their bodies.
Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae)
- True spiders: Cellar spiders belong to the order Araneae, making them true spiders.
- Two body segments: Like other spiders, cellar spiders have a distinct head and abdomen, connected by a narrow waist.
- Eight eyes: They have eight eyes, arranged in two rows.
- Web builders: Cellar spiders are web-building spiders and use their webs to catch prey.
- Long legs: Cellar spiders also have long legs, but they are not as long proportionally to their body as harvestmen.
The "Most Poisonous Spider" Myth
The common belief that daddy long legs (referring to harvestmen) are the "most poisonous spider" is completely false. Harvestmen do not have venom glands.
The reason for this misconception is likely due to their long legs, which may make them appear intimidating. However, they are harmless to humans.
Conclusion
While both harvestmen and cellar spiders are often called "daddy long legs," they are distinct creatures with different characteristics. Harvestmen are not spiders, and neither are they venomous. Cellar spiders are true spiders and have venom, but it is not harmful to humans.
