Daddy-long-legs
Guides
Eupnoi
Eupnoan Harvestmen
Eupnoi is a suborder of harvestmen (order Opiliones) comprising approximately 1,700 described species across more than 200 genera. The group is divided into two superfamilies: Phalangioidea, which includes the familiar long-legged "daddy long-legs" common in northern temperate regions, and the smaller Caddoidea, characterized by prominent eyes and spiny pedipalps. Eupnoi harvestmen possess a unique secretory gland opening via an ozopore on the dorsum, which produces defensive and communicative chemicals. They exhibit complex social behaviors including multi-specific roosting aggregations and chemical-based alarm signaling.
Pholcus opilionoides
Opilion-like Cellar Spider
Pholcus opilionoides is a cellar spider species in the family Pholcidae, named for its resemblance to harvestmen (Opiliones) due to its exceptionally long, sprawling legs. The species is native to Europe, Egypt, the Caucasus, and possibly Iran, and has been introduced to North America. Adults are small-bodied with a body length of 3-5 mm but appear larger due to their elongated legs. It is frequently confused with the more widespread Pholcus phalangioides and the similar Pholcus manueli, requiring careful examination for accurate identification.
Sclerosomatidae
Sclerosomatid Harvestmen
Sclerosomatidae is a large family of harvestmen (Opiliones) comprising approximately 1,300 described species. The family is characterized by a hardened body structure, reflected in its name derived from Greek skleros ('hard') and soma ('body'). Members exhibit the classic 'daddy long legs' morphology with small, rounded bodies and long, slender legs. The family includes several subfamilies—Gagrellinae, Gyantinae, Leiobuninae, and Sclerosomatinae—distributed across diverse habitats worldwide. Some species display iridescent metallic coloration, particularly in tropical lineages. A former subfamily has been removed to form the separate family Globipedidae.