Daddy Long Legs
“Daddy long legs” is a common name used for several different arthropods, most often harvestmen in the order Opiliones, but also some cellar spiders and crane flies.
“Daddy long legs” is a common name used for several long-legged arthropods, most often harvestmen in the order Opiliones. The term is not scientifically precise and can also refer to some cellar spiders or crane flies, depending on region.
What it is
The name “daddy long legs” is a folk name applied to different arthropods, primarily harvestmen (order Opiliones). Harvestmen are arachnids but not true spiders—they have a compact body and long, thin legs, and lack venom glands or fangs. In some contexts, the name also refers to cellar spiders (true spiders) or crane flies (insects).
Key details
Harvestmen are scavengers that feed mainly on decomposing plant and animal matter, though some eat small prey. They are not venomous or poisonous, contrary to a common myth. The name likely comes from their long legs and their frequent appearance around harvest time.
Why it matters
The confusion around “daddy long legs” highlights how common names can mislead. In Canada, the term is used for harvestmen, crane flies, or cellar spiders depending on region. Understanding the differences helps clarify myths about venom and classification.
In short
- “Daddy long legs” usually refers to harvestmen, which are arachnids but not spiders.
- Harvestmen have no venom glands or fangs, so the “highly venomous” claim is a myth.
- The name can also apply to cellar spiders or crane flies, depending on region.
- They are mainly scavengers, eating decomposing matter and small prey.
The name “daddy long legs” is used in Canada for harvestmen and, in some contexts, for crane flies or cellar spiders. Canadian sources note that the common name can refer to different arthropods depending on region and usage.
Quick questions
Are daddy long legs spiders?
Are daddy long legs poisonous?
What do daddy long legs eat?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpilionesSupports: Harvestmen are Opiliones and are colloquially called daddy long legs.
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/daddy-long-legs-opiliones-arachnidsSupports: Daddy longlegs are arachnids in Opiliones, not spiders.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/daddy-longlegsSupports: Definitions, body form, species count, and feeding habits of daddy longlegs.
- UC Riverside — https://spiders.ucr.edu/daddy-long-legsSupports: Harvestmen lack venom glands and fangs; the poisonous myth is false.
- UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County — https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/manateeco/2025/12/17/a-tale-of-three-daddy-long-legs/Supports: The common name is applied to three different arthropod groups and cellar spiders are not true spiders' equivalent to harvestmen.
- Burke Museum — https://www.burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/biology/arachnology-and-entomology/spider-myths/myth-daddy-longlegs-kind-spiderSupports: Regional use of the term in Canada and distinction between harvestmen, spiders, and crane flies.
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/issues/2024/jul-aug/profile.htmlSupports: Harvestman behaviour, seasonal name origin, and diet.