Let’s have a little fun, a little learning and a little YIKES! today with the DADDY LONG-LEGS:

The arachnid nick-named Daddy Long-Legs is a member of the species Pholcus phalangioides.  (The word Pholcid is a Greek word derived from Pholcus, meaning bandy-legged.) 

The Daddy Long-Legs has a small, round body and very long, slender legs.  Its cephalothorax (fused head and thorax) resembles a human skull, giving the Daddy Long-Legs the nick-name skull spider.

There is one interesting myth that the Daddy Long-Legs is the most venomous spider in the world.  YIKES! This “information” comes from the fact that the Daddy Long-Legs preys on deadly venomous spiders such as the Redback, a member of the Black Widow family.

In reality, though, there is no evidence to suggest that the Daddy Long-Legs leaves enough venom to harm a human being.  But it can, and does, BITE.  I’d call that a YIKES!

The Daddy Long-Legs has a very unique way of protecting itself from harm.  When a predator comes near its web, the Daddy Long-Legs begins a rapid vibrating motion that makes the web appear blurred and difficult to see and penetrate.  This ability gives the Daddy Long-Legs another nick-name… the vibrating spider. 

Bring your kids and grandkids into the unique world of the Daddy Long-Legs.  They are easy to spot with their long, bandy legs.  Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a Daddy Long-Legs in a vibrating web.  If you are reticent to get too close, do some research from the safety of your local library! 

Join me here each day in June for JUNE BUGS on 365 Days of Literacy for Kids! A little fun, a little learning and a little YIKES! for your kids and grandkids…