Daddy Long Legs

They’re everywhere- these long-legged creatures that, until a couple days ago, I thought were actually spiders. In recent years I’ve come to fear them less than I did as a child, but I still feared them regardless. Many of us have heard the scary tales about these “spiders”, especially the one that made us believe that “they are some of the most poisonous spiders in the world, but they can’t bite us because their mouths are too small”. Come to find out, they’re basically harmless, to us anyway.

While taking photos in my backyard the other day, I noticed one of these “spiders” on top of my roses. I took a few close-ups out of curiosity. Later that evening, I googled “daddy long legs spider” and was surprised by what I learned. There are actually 2 different creatures that carry the nickname of daddy long legs.

Cellar Spider (not my photo)

The daddy long-legs spider is the cellar spider. There are approximately 34 species of cellar spiders in North America. These spiders belong to the family Pholcidae. They are commonly found in cellars, basements, sheds, garages and similar structures. Like other spiders, the cellar spider has 2 basic body parts- the cephalothorax and abdomen, 6 to 8 eyes clumped together, 8 legs and creates stringy webs from silk. They have short fangs and do produce venom, but not enough to cause harm to humans with the exception of local mild redness to the skin.

Harvestmen

*

*

Another creature that is called daddy long-legs belongs to a group of arachnids called Harvestmen. They’re related to spiders, but do not have the physical characteristics of spiders. Harvestmen have only one basic body which looks like an oval or round “pill”. They have only 2 eyes which rise above their main body, do not produce venom or silk, do not spin webs and do not have fangs. The common physical trait they share with cellar spiders are the 8 long legs. Harvestmen are usually found under logs, decaying leaves or around rocks. They prefer a moist environment and feed on decaying vegetative and animal matter.

Now that the confusion about daddy long-legs is cleared up in my mind, I’ll be less likely to jump and squeal in terror if one of them happens to crawl or fall on me. Plus, I can educate others who believe these creatures are among the most poisonous in the world. My new knowledge may even help save the life of a daddy long-leg ;)

Photos taken 5/30/2020