Daddy Longleg Size Comparison: Just How Big Do These Spiders Get?

You’ve heard them called by their popular name. But did you know there is more than one type of daddy longlegs? These spiders can be broken down into two primary categories. Below, we explore each and learn just how big these spiders get!

How Big Do These Spiders Get?

Daddy longlegs of the order Opiliones are quite delicate. Their body shape looks kind of like a peanut and they measure between two and 10 millimeters long. Their legs could be longer, measuring up to 50 millimeters.

Daddy longlegs of the order Pholcidae are true spiders. They have small bodies that measure up to seven millimeters. There are some species that could be even tinier, measuring only one millimeter. They have oval-shaped bodies and four long, ultra-skinny legs.

Types of Daddy Longlegs

There are two primary types of daddy long legs. The first is of the Opiliones order. They don’t have any fangs or venom glands. They’re opportunistic with their food sources. Sometimes they snack on vegetation and sometimes they snack on animal matter. The second type of daddy longlegs spider is of the Pholcidae order, and it is venomous. However, their fangs are much too small to make them a danger to humans.

The Largest Daddy Longlegs Spider Ever Recorded

The largest daddy longlegs spider ever recorded was found in South America. This is the daddy longlegs of the Opiliones family, also known as the harvestman. It was found in a cave and its leg span measured a shocking 13.4 inches.

Places You’re Most Likely to Encounter a Daddy Longlegs Spider

Harvestman are found in South America and Southeast Asia. There are different species found throughout the world. They prefer sheltered environments like caves or tropical forests. They don’t typically venture inside homes. If they do, they gravitate toward basement environments where it’s damp, covered, and secluded. Otherwise, you may find them under eaves or outdoors beneath rocks or logs.

Cellar spiders are similar to harvestman in that they also prefer sheltered environments. They like dark areas like caves and any other environment that offers them some form of protection. These spiders are more likely to be found in homes. They may grace your garage, your cellar, or an outdoor shed. You might also see them in warehouses. Ultimately, they’re looking for undisturbed areas where they can be left to their own devices.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Lena Gadanski