What is a Daddy Long Legs?

I was Google searching for the famous novel “daddy long legs written by: Jean Webster” but what appeared is something totally different. What I get is this.

Photo source: DoMyOwn.com

This spider turned out to be famous, ha. Maybe more than the novel.

Who is Daddy Long Legs?

Daddy long-legs They are not actually spiders. They are arachnids, but they are not in the same family as spiders. Although they are not spiders they are referred to as ones.

They are characterized by their long, thin legs and small bodies. They are found all over the world, and there are over 1,800 different species.

Daddy long legs are often found in homes and other buildings. They prefer dark, quiet places, such as basements, closets, and under furniture. They build their webs in these areas, and they use the webs to catch prey.

Are They Poisonous?

Daddy's long legs pose no danger to people. They are benign animals that actually aid in the management of insect populations. Therefore, there is no reason to be alarmed if you discover a daddy's long legs in your home. You can either leave it alone or move it to a different area of your house if you'd rather.

Several studies have examined the toxicity of daddy-long legs venom, and they have all concluded that it poses no risk to humans.

In one experiment, black widow and daddy longlegs spider venom were injected into mice. Compared to daddy's long legs venom, the black widow venom proved far more lethal and caused the mice to pass away much faster.

Species of Daddy Long Legs

1. Harpactira Pulchripes

The largest species of daddy long legs spider is Harpactira pulchripes, popularly referred to as the Australian giant daddy long legs spider. Together with its legs, it may reach a maximum length of 30 cm. Humans are not harmed by Australian gigantic daddy long-legged spiders.

2. Scutigera Coleoptrata

A larger species of daddy long legs spider called Scutigera coleoptrata, popularly known as the house centipede, is widespread around the world. Its flattened body and lengthy, spiny legs can stretch up to 30 mm in length. House centipedes are predators that feed on small arthropods like insects, spiders, and spiderlings.

3. Dicranopalpus Fuscus

A small species of daddy long-legged spider called Dicranopalpus fuscus sometimes referred to as the black lace weaver, can be found in Europe and North Africa. It is a long, black spider with a thin body. Humans are not harmed by black lace makers.

These are only three species of daddy long legs, I put no photos because they looked a little disgusting.

Why are they Named Like That?

The term "daddy long legs" is believed to have originated from these species' long, spindly legs.

The "daddy" section of the term possibly relates to the fact that they are frequently viewed as fatherly figures, taking care of their offspring.

Some Interesting Scientific Facts About Daddy Long Legs

· Sometimes, People refer to them as "Opiliones." 

Opiliones is the scientific name for daddy long legs. Its origins are in the Greek word "opilio," which means "shepherd." The name harvestmen may have been given because harvestmen frequently observe their young on their backs, much like a shepherd does with his flock.

· Their Skin Allows Them to Breathe

Daddy long legs can breathe through their skin because of a unique organ called the tracheal system. As a result, they can survive in humid conditions where other arachnids would be unable to.

· Their Legs Can Grow Back

A Daddy Long Legs species can develop a new leg if it loses one. Arachnids rarely possess a skill like this.

· They can Secrete Something that Smells Bad

Harvestmen can secrete a vile-smelling substance that they use to ward off predators.

So, what do you think? They are amazing creatures, aren’t they? It was an amazing chance that let me learn about them. Although insects and spiders are not my favorites, I know that they are wonders and also very important to continue our lives.

Written by: Heba Salah