Do Daddy Long Legs Bite? The phrase “daddy long legs” evokes images of spindly-legged creatures lurking in dark corners. These arachnids (and non-arachnids) have sparked debates for decades—can they bite humans? Are they venomous? Let’s untangle the web of facts and folklore surrounding these misunderstood critters.
Table of Contents
What Are Daddy Long Legs?
The name “daddy long legs” refers to three distinct creatures, causing widespread confusion:
Creature | Scientific Name | Legs | Body Type | Classification |
---|---|---|---|---|
Harvestmen | Opiliones | 8 | Single oval segment | Arachnid (not a spider) |
Cellar Spiders | Pholcidae | 8 | Two segments (cephalothorax + abdomen) | True spider |
Crane Flies | Tipulidae | 6 | Slender, mosquito-like | Insect |
Key Difference: Only cellar spiders are true spiders with fangs and venom glands.
Can They Bite Humans?
The answer depends on which “daddy long legs” you’re referring to:
1. Harvestmen (Opiliones)
- Mouthparts: Chelicerae (too weak to pierce skin).
- Venom: Nonexistent.
- Verdict: Cannot bite humans.
2. Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae)
- Mouthparts: Short fangs (~0.25 mm long).
- Venom: Present but extremely mild (for subduing prey).
- Verdict: Can bite, but rarely do. No medical significance.
3. Crane Flies (Tipulidae)
- Mouthparts: Non-functional in adults (no biting capability).
- Verdict: Cannot bite.
The Persistent Venom Myth
A popular urban legend claims:
“Daddy long legs are the most venomous spiders, but their fangs can’t pierce human skin.”
This is false for three reasons:
- Harvestmen lack venom entirely.
- Cellar spider venom is harmless to humans (studies show no toxicity).
- No spider’s fangs are “too short”—venom potency and fang size aren’t directly linked.
Why Don’t Cellar Spiders Bite?
Even though they can technically bite, cellar spiders:
- Prefer fleeing over fighting.
- Hunt small prey (mosquitoes, gnats)—not humans.
- Require provocation (e.g., squeezing) to attempt biting.
Documented Cases: Few verified bites, causing only mild, temporary itching (less severe than a mosquito bite).
Identifying Harmless Daddy Long Legs
Harvestmen (Harmless)
- Single body segment.
- Legs attach to a central “plate.”
- Often seen in clusters.
Cellar Spiders (Mostly Harmless)
- Thin, wispy legs.
- Build messy cobwebs in corners.
- Vibrate rapidly when threatened.
Crane Flies (Harmless)
- Mosquito-like appearance.
- Flutter clumsily indoors.
- No webs or silk production.
FAQs About Daddy Long Legs
1. Are daddy long legs poisonous?
No species called “daddy long legs” poses any toxicity risk to humans.
2. What happens if a cellar spider bites you?
At worst, minor redness/itching for ~1 hour (no medical treatment needed).
3. Why do they vibrate in webs?
Cellar spiders shake to blur their outline and deter predators.
4. Do they kill venomous spiders?
Yes! Cellar spiders prey on black widows and brown recluses.
5. How to safely remove them?
Use a cup and paper—they’re beneficial pest controllers.
Why These Creatures Matter
Daddy long legs provide free pest control by eating:
- Mosquitoes
- Aphids
- Clothes moths
- Even dangerous spiders
Killing them removes a natural ally against worse household invaders.
Final Verdict: Should You Worry?
- Harvestmen & Crane Flies: Harmless; can’t bite.
- Cellar Spiders: Harmless unless severely provoked.
Instead of fearing them, appreciate their role in your home’s ecosystem. Next time you see one, consider letting it stay—it’s working harder than your bug zapper!
Still uneasy? Share your concerns in the comments! (Note: Always consult an exterminator for true infestations.)