The terms "daddy long legs" and "granddaddy long legs" are often used interchangeably, causing considerable confusion. However, they actually refer to two completely different creatures, leading to misconceptions about their venom, size, and even their place in the animal kingdom. Let's clear up this arachnid ambiguity.
What is a Daddy Long Legs?
When most people say "daddy long legs," they're actually referring to harvestmen (order Opiliones). These are arachnids, but not spiders. This is a crucial distinction. While they have eight legs like spiders, harvestmen lack the characteristic two-part body (cephalothorax and abdomen) that defines spiders. Their bodies are fused into a single oval shape. They also lack venom glands and silk-producing spinnerets, key features of spiders.
Are Daddy Long Legs (Harvestmen) Poisonous?
No. A common myth surrounding harvestmen is their supposed deadly venom. This is entirely false. They lack venom glands and pose no threat to humans. Their primary defense mechanism is the secretion of a foul-smelling fluid when threatened.
What Do Daddy Long Legs (Harvestmen) Eat?
Harvestmen are primarily scavengers, feeding on decaying organic matter like dead insects, leaves, and fungi. Some species may also consume live prey, such as small insects or other invertebrates.
What is a Granddaddy Long Legs?
"Granddaddy long legs" is another name commonly—and incorrectly—applied to harvestmen. However, it can also refer to crane flies (family Tipulidae). These are insects, not arachnids, and belong to the order Diptera (flies).
How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Crane Fly and a Harvestman?
The key differences are striking:
- Body Structure: Crane flies have a distinct three-part body (head, thorax, and abdomen) with six legs. Harvestmen have a single fused body and eight legs.
- Wings: Crane flies possess one or two pairs of delicate wings. Harvestmen have no wings.
- Antennae: Crane flies have long, segmented antennae. Harvestmen have very short, almost imperceptible antennae.
Are Granddaddy Long Legs (Crane Flies) Poisonous?
No. Crane flies are completely harmless to humans. They do not bite or sting. Their long legs are fragile and easily broken off as a defense mechanism, but this is not harmful.
What Do Granddaddy Long Legs (Crane Flies) Eat?
The adult stage of crane flies typically feeds on nectar and other plant juices. Their larvae, however, live in soil or water and often feed on decaying organic matter or plant roots. Some species can be considered minor agricultural pests.
Are Daddy Long Legs the Most Venomous Spiders?
No. This is a persistent myth. As stated earlier, harvestmen are not spiders and lack venom glands. The claim that they're the most venomous spiders is completely unfounded.
Are Daddy Long Legs Dangerous?
Harvestmen are entirely harmless to humans. Their only defense is a foul-smelling secretion, which is unpleasant but poses no danger.
This comprehensive comparison should clarify the often-confused world of "daddy long legs" and "granddaddy long legs." Remember, they refer to distinct creatures with significantly different characteristics and no venomous capabilities.
