How to Spot a Daddy Longlegs

The Daddy Longlegs is a type of Arachnid, but it not a spider. Even though a Daddy Longlegs resembles a spider at first glance, there are some important differences between the two. There are about 3500 species of Daddy Longlegs in the world and 200 species in North America alone. Here's how you can spot a Daddy Longlegs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look for the Daddy Longlegs in its preferred habitats of open areas and fields. You'll find them on tree trunks and other vegetation.
2. Take note of their color. Daddy Longlegs vary in color, although most are some shade of brown. They can be yellow, black or reddish, and some may have mottling or other patterns such as stripes.
3. Observe the body of the Daddy Longlegs. Unlike spiders or other insects, Daddy Longlegs have just one body part. This body part contains the abdomen, thorax and head all fused together. It is oval to spherical in shape and ranges in size from .1 cm to 2.2 cm. Usually, the body part is not over .7 cm.
4. Pay attention to their legs that are extremely thin and can be up to 16 cm in length. Because of how thin they are, the legs break off very easily. The Daddy Longlegs don't regenerate these legs, and once the legs break off, they twitch for some time. A Daddy Longlegs has four pair of legs, for total of eight legs. However, often you will see a Daddy Longlegs with fewer legs.
5. View the other physical features of the Daddy Longlegs. These arachnids have only two eyes, and they are located in the middle of the head. They also have two pedipalps (specialized limbs) that have a small pincer or claw at their ends. They use the pedipalps, located behind the mouth, for feeding.
6. Smell the odor released by a Daddy Longlegs if you pick it up. As a defense mechanism, it releases a smelly liquid from two pores located on the front of the body close to the eyes.

Tips & Warnings

• The Daddy Longlegs may also be referred to as a Harvestman.
• Daddy Longlegs do not create webs or silk.
• Daddy Longlegs can often be seen in large groups. They may have their legs intertwined with one another.
• The second pair of legs on a Daddy Longlegs may be longer than the other pairs. This pair is often used as antennae.