Saturday, 26 August 2023

daddy longlegs - Sikkim Insect


 

Daddy longlegs, which belong to the Opiliones Order are creatures known for their appearance. Despite their name they are not spiders. These fascinating creatures have a body structure that sets them apart, from arachnids – a fused body segment.

Daddy longlegs have a body and four pairs of slender legs. Unlike spiders they don't have venom glands or silk producing structures. Their diet consists mainly of decaying matter, insects and plant materials as they play an important role in ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient recycling. Importantly daddy longlegs pose no threat, to humans as they lack venom or fangs.