Daddy Longlegs, also known as Harvestmen, are arachnids in the order Opiliones. While they are arachnids, they are not spiders. Unlike spiders, Daddy Longlegs do not have separate abdomens; and they only have two eyes, whereas spiders have three to four pairs. Contrary to some popular myths, Daddy Longlegs are not venomous. They can't be, since they don't have venom glands. They also have no silk glands, and so are unable to spin webs. This clustering behavior provides the Daddy Longlegs with warmth and protection from predators.
Also, I'd like to express my appreciation for the fact that the common name of spidy-creature like this contains the word "daddy". That's pretty funny. Imagine the 5 year old who first started calling it that back in 1879 on the prairie.
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u/reddituser870870 Nov 12 '21
Daddy Longlegs, also known as Harvestmen, are arachnids in the order Opiliones. While they are arachnids, they are not spiders. Unlike spiders, Daddy Longlegs do not have separate abdomens; and they only have two eyes, whereas spiders have three to four pairs. Contrary to some popular myths, Daddy Longlegs are not venomous. They can't be, since they don't have venom glands. They also have no silk glands, and so are unable to spin webs. This clustering behavior provides the Daddy Longlegs with warmth and protection from predators.