Daddy longlegs spider
Daddy longlegs, commonly referred to as harvestmen, are small-bodied arachnids recognized for their long legs and segmented bodies, which differ from true spiders. With over 6,500 species across four suborders, they inhabit a variety of environments globally, except Antarctica, and are often found in human dwellings such as houses and garages. Their body size ranges from 1/50 of an inch to just under one inch, with legs that can extend up to 6 inches long. Daddy longlegs possess a pale brown body and eight clear legs, along with palps that assist in feeding. They reproduce through direct fertilization, with females carrying fertilized eggs in a clear sac until the young are ready to fend for themselves. While they primarily feed on small insects, they are also preyed upon by various predators including spiders, birds, and small mammals. Notably, some species can release a strong odor to deter threats or may play dead when in danger. Most daddy longlegs have a life span of at least one year.
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Daddy longlegs spider
Daddy longlegs is the common name for this small-bodied, long-legged omnivore. They live in wet and dry environments and are most commonly seen in the late summer.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Opiliones (formerly Phalangida)
Family: Various (see below)
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
More than 6,500 species commonly called daddy longlegs are categorized into four suborders—Cyphophthalmi, Dyspnoi, Eupnoi, and Laniatores. Though they resemble and are often called spiders, they are harvestmen. Their bodies are segmented but lack a distinct separation which is obvious in spiders. Daddy longlegs also have a single pair of eyes. Daddy longlegs live on every continent except Antarctica. They are common in well-vegetated habitats where insects live. They are frequently found in houses, barns, outhouses, garages, basements, attics, and other human dwellings.
The sphere-shaped body of the daddy longlegs is as small as 1/50 of an inch (1/2 millimeter) to just under one inch (23 millimeters) long, while their legs may reach 6 inches (15 centimeters) long. The daddy longlegs is divided into two main parts—cephalothorax and abdomen. The cephalothorax is the head and thorax, or mid-body section. The cephalothorax of the daddy longlegs is typically round and flat near where the cephalothorax meets the abdomen. The abdomen is the lower body section. This portion is long and straight and contains most of the internal organs of the daddy longlegs. The cephalothorax may also be called the prosoma and the abdomen may be called the opisthosoma. Between the cephalothorax and the abdomen is a narrow connecting tube called a pedicel.
The body of the daddy longlegs is pale brown with eight transparent, or clear, legs. They have an additional pair of appendages called palps. The palps are used for tearing and grasping. If captured by a predator, the daddy longlegs may sacrifice one of its easily-broken legs to get away. The leg does not grow back.
Mating between daddy longlegs commonly occurs in the spring. Daddy longlegs reproduce by a method called direct fertilization. In this method, the sperm is transferred directly from the male's body to the female's body where it fertilizes the female’s eggs. After mating, the female carries the fertilized eggs in a transparent, or clear, sac on her abdomen. When the young hatch, they remain with their mother until they can survive independently.
Jumpin spiders, birds, lizards, small mammals, and centipedes prey on daddy longlegs. Some species have openings called ozopores that secrete a strong, odorous substance that may frighten away predators. Other species pretend to be dead when threatened.
Most species of daddy longlegs have a life span of at least one year.
Examples of species referred to as daddy longlegs:
Cosmopolitan cellar spider Pholcus phalangioides
North European harvestman Leiobunum rotundum
Chilean harvestman Pachyloidellus goliath
Bibliography
"Daddy Longlegs (Harvestmen)." Conservation Commission of Missouri, mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/daddy-longlegs-harvestmen. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.
Glatz, Kyle. "What Do Daddy Long Legs Eat? 10 Foods in Their Diet." A-Z Animals, 10 Oct. 2023, a-z-animals.com/blog/what-do-daddy-long-legs-eat. Accessed 5 Apr. 2024.