Daddy long legs
- Pronunciation
- /DAH-dee long legz/
- Category
- Common Name
- Singular
- Daddy long legs
- Plural
- Daddy long legs
Definition
A common name referring to several unrelated groups of arthropods, including the crane flies (Diptera: Tipulidae), harvestmen (Opiliones), and cellar spiders (Pholcidae).
Etymology
The phrase 'daddy long legs' is of unclear origin but has been used in English colloquially since at least the early 18th century.
Example
Despite their common name, daddy long legs may refer to various insects and arachnids with long, slender legs.
Synonyms
- Harvestman
- Crane fly
- Cellar spider
Related Terms
Usage Notes
The term can be confusing as it applies to different arthropods in different regions. Crane flies are true flies, harvestmen are arachnids but not spiders, and cellar spiders are true spiders.