Daddy longlegs are unusual arachnids commonly encountered in yards and gardens. Distant relatives of spiders, they are classed in their own order, Opiliones. More than 200 species occur in North America, many of which are of European origin.
Like other arachnids, the daddy longlegs have four pairs of legs; however, the legs are extremely long. Males, although somewhat smaller than females, have particularly long legs. The body of a daddy longlegs is generally globular, lacking distinct body regions although the abdomen is clearly segmented. Unlike spiders, they do not possess poison glands, therefore their toxicity is just an urban legend. Daddy longlegs consume small, soft-bodied insects, slugs and mites and are considered to be beneficial in the garden.
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