Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs

Category Spiders

Actual Size: From as small as 0.6 mm to as large as 23 mm

Characteristics: Brown, grey, or black, these creatures are identified by their slender legs and compact bodies without a “waist”.

Legs: 8

Habitat: In the warmer months, they prefer the cool and shaded areas of buildings, beneath overhangs, and within hidden nooks. As autumn approaches, they form sizable groups on building exteriors.

Habits:

Not actually spiders, harvestmen do not possess the ability to weave webs.
They release an odd, deterrent scent when threatened.
Their legs detach readily and continue to move independently, a strategy to distract predators.

Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs in Wisconsin

Though frequently mistaken for spiders, daddy longlegs, or harvestmen, are a separate entity. The term “harvestmen” derives from their prominent appearance during the harvest season in late summer and autumn. Unlike spiders, they lack the ability to produce silk for webs. Notorious for their elongated legs and unified body shape, these creatures can become a noticeable presence around buildings, congregating in large numbers. However, they pose no risk to people, pets, structures, or vegetation.

Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Habitat

Preferring moist environments, harvestmen thrive in natural settings like forests and caves, often seen scaling surfaces or amidst foliage. They are a common sight in shaded areas around buildings, under eaves, and in crawl spaces during the warmer seasons. In colder months, they form large clusters on structures.

Harvestmen / Daddy Longlegs Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

As natural pest controllers, harvestmen contribute positively to garden health by preying on aphids, other spiders, and various pests. They are harmless to humans, lacking the ability to bite or secrete venom. In defensive situations, they emit an unusual odor to ward off predators. While nocturnal and less likely to invade indoor spaces, their presence is mostly unnoticed due to their nighttime activity. For issues with excessive numbers of daddy longlegs, consult a professional spider exterminator.