Daddy longlegs aren't spiders and aren't venomous: Debunking a persistent myth
By
@NatGeo
Summary
This article debunks the popular myth that daddy longlegs are the most venomous spiders with fangs too small to bite humans. It explains that daddy longlegs (harvestmen) are not spiders at all, but belong to the order Opiliones, a distinct group of arachnids. The article covers their unique anatomy, including their fused body segments, lack of silk glands and venom, unusual reproductive organs, and remarkable survival adaptations like leg autotomy and defense mechanisms. It highlights why these creatures are more fascinating and misunderstood than commonly believed.
Source
bskyDaddy longlegs aren't spiders and aren't venomous: Debunking a persistent mythnationalgeographic.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledDaddy longlegs are arachnids that have tiny, pill-shaped torsos and legs that go on for days.
This little nugget of conventional 'wisdom' is not just incorrect. It's spectacularly wrong on three separate counts.
They have a pair of shoddy eyes, breathing tubes known as trachea, guts for digesting, and even secret, trap-door genitals.
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