Daddy long legs are not poisonous or venomous in a way that is harmful to humans. The common myth that they have the most potent venom but cannot bite humans due to short fangs is false. There are actually three different creatures called daddy long legs:
- The daddy long legs spider (family Pholcidae) does have venom like most spiders but its venom is very mild and not dangerous to humans. Its fangs can penetrate human skin but the bite causes no significant harm.
- Harvestmen, another type of daddy long legs, do not have venom glands or fangs at all, making them entirely harmless.
- Crane flies are also called daddy long legs but are not venomous.
The myth likely originated because daddy long legs spiders prey on other venomous spiders such as black widows, but they do not rely on venom to kill them. Overall, daddy long legs pose no real threat or poison risk to humans.
