Daddy Long Leg Facts & Information

What do daddy long legs look like?

Daddy long legs, also known as harvestmen, have small, oval-shaped bodies and extremely long, thin legs. Their body typically measures about 1/16 to 1/2 inch, while their legs can be up to 2 inches long. Unlike spiders, their bodies are fused into one segment, making them look different from true spiders.

What do daddy long legs eat?

Daddy long legs are omnivores and scavengers. They feed on small insects, plant material, fungi, and decaying organic matter. They are beneficial in controlling insect populations, but they do not spin webs or trap prey like spiders.

What sort of habitat do daddy long legs live in?

Daddy long legs prefer damp environments such as forests, gardens, and under rocks or logs. They can also be found in basements, sheds, and other humid areas around homes. They are common in both urban and rural areas.

How do daddy long legs commonly behave?

Daddy long legs are solitary and typically non-aggressive. They are known for their ability to escape predators by shedding a leg if caught. Unlike spiders, they do not produce venom or silk. Their long legs help them navigate their environment and detect vibrations in their surroundings.

Did you know this about daddy long legs?

There is a popular myth that daddy long legs are the most venomous spiders but lack the ability to bite humans. This is entirely false—daddy long legs are not venomous at all and pose no threat to humans. They also have an ancient lineage, with fossil records dating back over 400 million years, making them one of the oldest known groups of arachnids.