are daddy long legs poisonous
Pholcid spiders are araneomorph spiders which kill and digest their prey using venom. However there is no scientific basis for the urban myth that daddy-long-legs are the most venomous, poisonous or toxic spiders in the world. Their venom has never been tested and certainly not on humans!!
Daddy-long-legs spiders have venom glands and fangs but their tiny fangs are fused at the base (uncate) however brown recluse spiders fangs are also uncate and they can certainly bite humans! As far as Dr Mike Gray (senior arachnologist at the Australian Museum) knows, there is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that the venom of daddy-long-legs could harm humans. There is also not much scientific evidence to suggest whether or not they can bite humans, this seems to be part of the myth as well!!
With its elongated, spindly legs, the daddy long legs spider strikes an unforgettable — and, for some, frightening — pose. But how concerning are these creepy crawlies? Is their appearance in and/or around your home cause for alarm?
are daddy long legs poisonous?
When talking about spiders or other arachnids, people often confuse the meaning of “poisonous” with “venomous.” While most spiders are venomous because they can harm you through the injection of their venom, they are not poisonous because they generally do not cause harm through touching or ingesting them. And though harvestmen have what are considered “fangs,” they do not have “fangs” for the purpose of injecting venom like a true spider does.
Harvestmen belong to the order Opiliones, which is part of the arachnid class that also includes spiders, scorpions and mites. Spiders sport six to eight eyes, but harvestmen rely on a single pair. Harvestmen also lack the ability to spin silk and weave webs. Instead, they are ambush predators.
do daddy long legs bite
Do harvestmen bite?
Yes and no. As noted, harvestmen are omnivores and are classified as both predators and scavengers. They use fang-like mouthparts known as “chelicerae” to grasp and chew their food. However, harvestmen aren’t known to bite humans and are not considered a danger to households.
However daddy-long-legs kill and eat other spiders, including Redback Spiders whose venom CAN be fatal to humans. Perhaps this is the origin of the rumour that daddy-long-legs are the most venomous spiders in the world. It might be argued that if they can kill a deadly spider, they must be even more deadly themselves, but daddy-long-legs only need to be quicker to bite, not more venomous.
The name ‘Daddy-Long-Legs’ has been used for at least two different kinds of arachnids – spiders (Pholcus phalangioides) and harvestmen (Opoliones).
Daddy Long Legs (Pholcus phalangioides)
The animal which most biologists call “daddy-long-legs”, is a spider, Pholcus phalangioides, which belongs to the spider family Pholcidae, order Araneida, class Arachnida.
Dispelling the Myths: Daddy Long Legs Spiders
Photo byBlueSeaShellonPixabay
Daddy long legs, often mistaken for spiders, have long been the subject of misconceptions and urban myths. From their alleged deadly venom to their supposed inability to bite humans, these creatures have been misunderstood for generations. This comprehensive article aims to dispel these myths and provide an enlightening look at the fascinating world of daddy long legs.
What Are Daddy Long Legs?
Daddy long legs, scientifically known as harvestmen, belong to the Opiliones order, which is part of the arachnid class. This class also includes spiders, scorpions, and mites. Unlike spiders, harvestmen have a single body segment and only two eyes. Moreover, they lack the ability to spin silk and create webs, and are known for their ambush predatory behavior.
Distinguishing Features
Harvestmen are easily identifiable by their elongated, spindly legs, which have earned them their common name. They exhibit a single body segment, contrary to spiders which have two distinct body parts. Harvestmen only have a single pair of eyes, unlike the eight eyes that most spiders possess. Additionally, they lack venom glands and fangs, which are common features among true spiders.
Common Misconceptions
The term “daddy long legs” is a generic name often used to describe several different long-legged creatures, including crane flies and cellar spiders, apart from harvestmen. This confusion has contributed to the propagation of various misconceptions about these creatures.
Are Daddy Long Legs Venomous?
A common myth is that daddy long legs are the most venomous spiders in the world, but their fangs are too short to penetrate human skin. However, this claim is false on several counts. Firstly, harvestmen are not true spiders and therefore do not possess venom. Secondly, they do not have fangs for the purpose of injecting venom.
The Difference Between Venomous and Poisonous
When discussing spiders or other arachnids, people often confuse the terms “poisonous” and “venomous”. While most spiders are venomous, meaning they can harm you through the injection of their venom, they are not poisonous because they generally do not cause harm through touching or ingesting them. Harvestmen, on the other hand, do not possess venom glands or fangs. Instead, they have what are considered “fangs” that are used for grasping and chewing their food.
What Do Daddy Long Legs Eat?
Harvestmen are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. Their diet includes spiders, earthworms, and other insects. In the absence of live prey, they will scavenge on dead insects, decaying plant material, and insect eggs. Due to their preference for garden pests like aphids and house pests like spiders, harvestmen are considered beneficial insects.
How Long Do Daddy Long Legs Live?
The lifespan of harvestmen varies depending on their geographical location. In the northern regions of the United States, they typically live for one year. However, in the southeastern parts where winters are milder, their lifespan can extend up to two years.
Do Daddy Long Legs Bite?
While harvestmen possess fang-like mouthparts known as “chelicerae”, they are not known to bite humans and are not considered a danger to households. Their chelicerae are used to grasp and chew their food rather than inject venom.
Interesting Facts About Daddy Long Legs
Harvestmen’s long legs serve a dual purpose. Not only do they aid in locomotion, but they also serve as a defense mechanism. Harvestmen can easily detach their legs when faced with a threat. This process, known as autotomy, allows the detached leg to continue twitching for up to an hour, effectively distracting predators while the harvestmen escape. Additionally, when threatened, harvestmen can secrete foul-smelling, bad-tasting chemicals that most predators find unappetizing.
Should You Be Worried About Daddy Long Legs in Your Home?
the presence of harvestmen in your home should not be a cause for concern. They may be a nuisance due to their unattractive appearance, but they are not known to harm humans or cause structural damage to homes.
Preferred Habitat
Harvestmen prefer dark, moist environments. Therefore, they are most likely to be found in basements, garages, or crawl spaces. They rarely make their presence known in the finished areas of your home.
How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs in Your House
Although harvestmen are non-venomous, beneficial insects that do not damage buildings, trees, or desirable plants, you may still wish to remove them from your home. A simple way to do this is by sweeping or vacuuming them up.
The Truth About Daddy Long Legs
while daddy long legs may appear slightly spooky, there is no reason to fear these fascinating creatures. They are not venomous, do not pose a danger to humans, and can even be beneficial by controlling the population of other pests. However, if you suspect that there are actual spiders in your home, it would be wise to contact a pest control professional for assistance.
