Daddy long legs is a common name assigned to two different creatures: spider and crane fly. It is often a matter of confusion and debate among people whether daddy long legs is a spider or a crane fly. In this article, we will try to solve this mystery once and for all.
The Spider Daddy Long Legs
The spider daddy long legs (Pholcidae) is a small, thin-legged spider that belongs to the Araneae order. It is also known as cellar spider, and it is commonly found in homes, cellars, and basements. The spider is not venomous, and it preys on other insects like moths, ants, and roaches. It has a unique characteristic of twitching its legs when disturbed, which makes it challenging to capture or kill.
The Crane Fly Daddy Long Legs
The crane fly daddy long legs (Tipulidae) is a slender, long-legged fly that belongs to the Diptera order. It is also known as mosquito hawk, and it is commonly found near gardens, fields, and forests. The fly is harmless to humans and feeds on nectar and other plant juices. It has a distinctive feature of having long, fragile legs that can easily break when handled roughly.
Comparing Spider and Crane Fly Daddy Long Legs
Despite sharing the same common name, the spider daddy long legs and crane fly daddy long legs are two different creatures with some significant differences. Firstly, the spider daddy long legs is a spider, while the crane fly daddy long legs is a fly. Secondly, the spider daddy long legs has eight legs, while the crane fly daddy long legs has six legs. Thirdly, the spider daddy long legs preys on other insects, while the crane fly daddy long legs feeds on nectar and plant juices. Finally, the spider daddy long legs is commonly found indoors, while the crane fly daddy long legs is commonly found outdoors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, daddy long legs is not a single creature but a common name given to two different creatures: spider and crane fly, both of which have unique features and characteristics. So next time when you see a daddy long legs crawling around your house, you will know for sure whether it is a spider or a crane fly.
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