The spelling of "daddy longlegs" can be confusing because it actually refers to two different creatures—one is a spider, the other is a type of harvestman (an arachnid that's not a spider). The correct spelling for the spider is "daddy longlegs," while the correct spelling for the harvestman is "daddy-longlegs." The pronunciation of both is /ˈdædi ˈlɔŋˌlɛɡz/ using IPA phonetic transcription. Despite the different spellings, both creatures are commonly referred to as "daddy longlegs" in North America.
Daddy longlegs is a common name given to various species of arachnids, primarily belonging to the order Opiliones. These arachnids are notable for their distinctive appearance, characterized by their long, delicate legs and compact bodies. Although they are often mistaken as spiders, they actually belong to a different order altogether.
The name "daddy longlegs" can also refer to another creature, the harvestman spider, which is a member of the same order, Opiliones. These spiders are often found in gardens, forests, and other outdoor environments. They are known for their oval-shaped bodies, which can vary greatly in color depending on the species. The most distinctive feature of daddy longlegs spiders is their extremely long, slender legs, which give them a graceful and delicate appearance.
Despite their somewhat ominous appearance, daddy longlegs spiders are generally harmless to humans. They do not possess venom glands like true spiders and are unable to produce silk for web-building. Instead, they rely on their exceptional sense of touch and a keen sense of sight to detect prey and navigate their surroundings. Daddy longlegs spiders are typically scavengers, feeding on small invertebrates, dead insects, or decaying organic matter.
In summary, daddy longlegs refers to both a group of arachnids in the order Opiliones, characterized by their long legs and compact bodies, as well as a specific type of spider within that group, known for its slender legs and oval-shaped body.
The term "daddy longlegs" refers to two different organisms: crane flies (Tipulidae) and harvestmen (Opiliones). The etymology of the term varies depending on which organism is being referred to.
For crane flies, the word "daddy longlegs" originated from the older term "daddy-long-legs horse" in the early 17th century. It was used to describe the long, delicate legs of the insect, resembling the long legs of a horse.
On the other hand, for harvestmen, the term "daddy longlegs" came into use mainly in North America and is used to describe these arachnids. The origin of this usage is uncertain, but it is believed that it was named so due to the spider-like appearance of harvestmen, with their small bodies and long, slender legs.