If there's one backyard creature that has inspired countless debates, it's the Daddy Long Legs spider. Are they spiders? Are they venomous? Can they actually bite humans? These questions have sparked curiosity and fueled myths for generations. But the truth about Daddy Longlegs Spiders might surprise you—it's far more nuanced than you'd expect.
Whether you're a homeowner trying to identify this long-legged guest in your home or a nature enthusiast unraveling the mysteries of arachnids, this blog will guide you through distinguishing Daddy Long Legs, uncovering the myths, and understanding their ecological importance.
From decoding the confusion surrounding the term "Daddy Long Legs spiders" to debunking exaggerated claims, this guide will ensure you have a complete picture of these fascinating creatures while clearing common misconceptions once and for all.
A harvestmen (Left) and a cellar spider (Right).
Misconceptions About Daddy Long Legs Spiders
The term "Daddy Long Legs" often leads to confusion due to its misuse in describing very different creatures depending on the region. While some refer to them as spiders, others use the term for insects completely unrelated to arachnids.
Harvestmen vs. Cellar Spiders
"Daddy Long Legs" typically refers to one of two creatures in North America—Harvestmen or Cellar Spiders. Although similar at first glance due to their long, spindly legs, they are distinct in biology and behavior:
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Harvestmen (Order Opiliones) are arachnids but are not spiders. They lack the two separate body segments seen in true spiders, and their oval bodies look unified. Unlike spiders, Harvestmen do not produce silk or venom (as they lack venom glands).
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Cellar Spiders (Family Pholcidae), on the other hand, are true spiders from the order Araneae. The cellar spider has two distinct body segments, produces silk to spin webs, and carries venom (but more on that later).
The crane fly is not related to Harvestmen (Daddy Long Legs).
What About Crane Flies?
Adding another layer to the confusion, in the UK and parts of Europe, Crane Flies (Family Tipulidae), are called Daddy Longlegs which are insects related to mosquitoes and flies. These winged creatures are harmless, incapable of biting or stinging humans.
Knowing which creature you're referring to is critical when discussing whether Daddy Longlegs are spiders—because the answer changes completely depending on the species!
Daddy Longlegs Identification Guide
Now that you know "Daddy Long Legs" isn't a one-size-fits-all name, how do you tell them apart in your backyard or home?
How to Recognize Harvestmen
Harvestmen are easiest to identify through the following features:
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Body Structure: Their body is a single oval shape without the noticeable segmentation spiders typically have.
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Legs: They're famous for their incredibly long, slender legs, which act as sensory tools.
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Eyes: With only two simple eyes, they differ from true spiders, which have eight.
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Behavior: Harvestmen are often seen moving slowly or swaying in a rhythmic motion when stationary.
Spotting Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders, frequently found in dark corners, are unmistakably spiders due to these traits:
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Body Structure: They have two distinct segments—cephalothorax and abdomen—connected by a narrow pedicel.
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Webs: Cellar spiders spin messy, irregular webs to catch prey.
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Eight Eyes: Like most spiders, they sport eight clustered eyes.
By differentiating the unified body of Harvestmen from the structured body and web-building habits of Cellar Spiders, you can confidently identify which Daddy Long Legs you're dealing with.
Harvestmen can't bite you and don't have venom.
Debunking Myths
Daddy Longlegs have been the subject of many wild claims, some of which have persisted for decades. It's time to set the record straight.
Myth 1: Daddy Long Legs Are the World's Most Venomous Spiders
This is perhaps the most popular myth. The idea suggests that the Daddy Long Legs Spider possesses incredibly potent venom but can't pierce human skin because of weak fangs. This claim is entirely false for multiple reasons:
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Harvestmen: They don't produce venom at all, as they don't need it to hunt or defend themselves.
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Cellar Spiders: While they are venomous like all spiders, their venom is mild and harmless to humans, primarily targeting small insects. This pest is decidedly NOT the world's most venomous spider.
The truth is, neither type poses any danger to people in terms of venom or bites.
Myth 2: The Daddy Long Legs Spider Can Bite Humans
Harvestmen don't have the ability to bite humans due to their small pincer-like mouthparts, which are adapted for scavenging particles rather than piercing skin. Cellar spiders can technically bite, but their venom causes no harm to humans.
Myth 3: All Daddy Long Legs Are the Same
As highlighted earlier, Daddy Long Legs is a catch-all term used for entirely different creatures. From harmless Crane Flies to arachnid Harvestmen and true Cellar Spiders, the assumption that they are a single species is another misconception.
The Role of Daddy Long Legs in Ecosystems
Despite their undeserved reputation as pests or threats, Daddy Long Legs are unsung heroes in many ecosystems.
Pest Control Champions
Both Harvestmen and Cellar Spiders play an essential role in controlling other insect populations. Cellar Spiders, in particular, frequently prey on household pests such as flies, mosquitoes, and even more dangerous spiders like Black Widows. Allowing them to exist near your home could offer natural pest control benefits.
Decomposers in Action
Harvestmen often act as scavengers, consuming decaying plant and animal matter. This contributes to nutrient cycling and maintains ecological balance in their environment.
Model Non-Aggressors
Harvestmen, in particular, harm neither humans nor plants, making them ideal neighbors to have if you want an undisturbed garden or yard.
Interaction with Humans
Occasionally, you might encounter Daddy Long Legs indoors or in your yard. Here's how to handle these encounters respectfully and safely.
Don't Panic
If you find a Daddy Long Legs in your home, there's often no need for concern. They pose no risk to humans and might actually protect your space from other pest insects.
Relocate Instead of Exterminating
To safely remove one, use a container and a piece of paper. Gently guide the creature into the container, cover it with the paper, and release it outside.
Prevention Tips
Seal cracks and crevices around doors and windows to limit their entry, but understand their presence is generally harmless.
Bringing It All Together
Daddy Long Legs might not be spiders, but they're fascinating creatures that enrich our ecosystems in unique ways. Misunderstood and the subject of numerous myths, they deserve a second look for the roles they play in natural pest control and environmental health.
By learning to appreciate and identify Daddy Long Legs, you're not only dispelling age-old myths but also aligning with nature's efforts to maintain balance. Share this newfound knowledge with others and encourage the respectful coexistence of all creatures, no matter how many legs they have.
Explore your backyard and observe these unique visitors up close—you may find there's more to them than their long legs.
