What Are Daddy Long Legs?
Opilionids are commonly called daddy-long-legs and harvestmen, but many people often mistake pholcid spiders for daddy-long-legs. Most species of opilionids look similar to pholcid spiders, yet there are many differences.
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Misconceptions
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True daddy-long-legs are in the Arachnid animal family, but are not in the Araneae order like spiders. They are actually in their own order called Opiliones.
Appearance
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Opilionids have only one pill-like body section. They are usually brown in color and have just two eyes. Their legs are usually quite long, but there are some with short legs as well.
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Characteristics
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Unlike the pholcid spider, opilionids have no venom and cannot produce silk to make webs.
Habitat
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Most species of daddy-long-legs prefer moist environments, although some live in the dessert. They are usually found under logs and rocks. The long-legged spiders that you're likely to find in your basement are actually the pholcid spiders.
Diet
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Most opilionids feed primarily on decomposing plant and animal matter, although they are also opportunistic hunters and will feed on small bugs if given the chance.
Myths
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Many people believe that daddy-long-legs are very venomous and could kill a human if their fangs could pierce the skin. There is absolutely no evidence to support this claim for either the opilionid or the pholcid spider.
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