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| Photo: Vicky Spelman |
They have their own separate Order which is Opiliones. Common names for this Order are 1) daddy longlegs, 2) harvestmen and 3) opilionids. They are characterized by having one basic body segment which shows segmentation on the posterior portion, at most 2 eyes and all 8 legs attach to the pill-like body segment. Whereas spiders are arachnids with 2 body segments, 8 legs and generally 8 eyes.
Also known as Harvestmen, they are considered a beneficial in the yard/garden. Worldwide, there are 37 families Harvestmen. Eighteen species are reported from Texas.
Also known as Harvestmen, they are considered a beneficial in the yard/garden. Worldwide, there are 37 families Harvestmen. Eighteen species are reported from Texas.
Daddy Longlegs make their living by eating decomposing vegetative and animal matter although are opportunist predators if they can get away with it.
They are usually found under logs and rocks, and prefer a moist habitat although they can be found in the desert. Daddy Longlegs do not produce silk so therefore they are never found in webs unless they are caught in one and being eaten by a spider. Because they are found under logs and other stuff which people most often are not turning over, most folks don't run into daddy-longlegs very often.
