Black Spiders That Look Like Daddy Long Legs, But Aren't
The name "daddy long legs" can be confusing! It's often used to refer to two very different creatures: harvestmen (also called opiliones) and cellar spiders (also called long-bodied cellar spiders). While both have long legs, they are not spiders at all.
Harvestmen are arachnids, but they belong to a different order than spiders. They have a single, fused body segment, unlike spiders which have a two-part body. Harvestmen also lack venom glands and silk-spinning organs.
Cellar spiders, on the other hand, are true spiders. However, they are often mistaken for harvestmen due to their long legs and slender bodies. But unlike harvestmen, cellar spiders have a distinct abdomen and can spin webs.
Here are some black spiders that might be mistaken for daddy long legs:
Black Widow Spiders
Black widow spiders are notorious for their venomous bite. They are shiny black with a red hourglass shape on their abdomen. Although they are not typically mistaken for daddy long legs, they can be found in similar environments and may have legs that appear long compared to their body size.
False Black Widow Spiders
False black widow spiders are often mistaken for black widow spiders due to their similar appearance. However, they lack the red hourglass marking and have a more brown or grey body with white spots. They can also have longer legs than typical black widows, making them appear more like a "daddy long legs".
Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders are another venomous spider that can be confused for a daddy long legs. They are brown with a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax (head and thorax). While not as commonly mistaken for daddy long legs, they can be found in dark and secluded areas, similar to where cellar spiders live.
It is crucial to be able to distinguish between these spiders and true daddy long legs, both for safety and for understanding the role they play in our ecosystems. While harvestmen are harmless, many of the black spiders mentioned above are venomous.
Always exercise caution when encountering any spider. If you are unsure about a spider's identity, it is best to leave it alone and contact a pest control professional if needed.
