The familiar Daddy Long Legs or Harvestman is neither a spider nor an insect. It is an arachnid though, which makes it more closely related to spiders than insects. This slender legged critter is most often encountered in gardens across Alberta, and for some inscrutable reason, the foundations of houses are good places to find them sunning themselves. Unlike spiders, they can’t spin silk. There are at least eight species in Alberta.
Like all arachnids, the Harvestman has eight legs, or ought to. The legs are easily broken off but as long as it has enough legs to support itself and get around, it can spare a few. Unlike spiders, which have a distinct head and abdomen, Harvestmen appear to have only one spherical or oblong body segment. Although the legs are long, the body is held low to the ground. A pair of simple eyes is held on short turrets. Slender chelicerae (fangs) and pedipalps form the mouthparts.
Harvestman prey on small insects and also scavenge dead or dying insects.
After mating, the female uses her stout ovipositor to lay her eggs in the ground. In Alberta, Harvestmen live for only a year. The overwintering egg stage ensures a new supply of these fascinating creatures the following year. Because they start out so small each spring, growing larger as the summer progresses, they are often noticed most in the late summer when they are at their largest.
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Where to find Harvestmen (Daddy Long-legs) in Alberta
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Harvestman (Daddy Long-legs) Behaviour
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Interesting Facts about Harvestmen (Daddy Long-legs)
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Harvestman (Daddy Long-legs) Sounds
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Recent Harvestman (Daddy Long-legs) Reports in Alberta
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