Low Risk
Also known as:
grandaddy longlegs grandfather graybeards harvest spiders harvesters harvestmen Opiliones shepherd spiders
Daddy longlegs are known for having exceptionally long, thin legs relative to their body size. Although closely related to scorpions, ticks, and mites, they are often mistaken as spiders. They belong to the Arachnida class (like spiders) but occupy the order called Opiliones.
There are distinct differences between daddy longlegs and spiders. Spiders have eight eyes, and their bodies are divided into two distinct parts, while daddy longlegs have only two eyes and a body fused into one oval-shaped part. They also have no silk glands, which makes them unable to build webs, and they have no fangs or venom glands and, therefore, pose no danger to humans.
People often wonder if these arachnids pose a danger. There is a myth about daddy longlegs being one of the most poisonous spiders in the world. This is not true. Their mouth is like that of crabs and scorpions. The mouth allows them to hold onto prey while eating, but the mouth is too small and weak to bite and puncture human skin, and they are not spiders. Although the Opiliones lack venom, they can emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed, a defensive measure to protect themselves against predators. Overall, they are harmless to people.
NOTE: Daddy longlegs are often confused with cellar spiders because both have long, spindly legs, but cellar spiders have segmented bodies and can spin webs. Because of the confusion, the cellar spider is sometimes called a daddy longlegs spider.
If you find someone has had an encounter with a daddy longlegs, do not panic. Call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day, for poisoning emergencies and questions.
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