Research
A new study proves daddy-longlegs spiders are completely harmless to humans, but they are fierce enough to eat live frogs
Earth.com · By Rodielon Putol ·
The Brief
- A 2026 study finds daddy-longlegs spiders are harmless to humans.
- Spider experts at UC Riverside say the rumor that they are the most venomous spiders, but cannot bite because their fangs are too short, is false.
- The same study shows daddy-longlegs are still fierce enough to eat live frogs.
Why it matters
The study corrects a widespread myth about daddy-longlegs and venom, which matters for anyone who encounters or studies these arachnids.
Who’s affected
- arachnologists and wildlife researchers
- members of the public who encounter daddy-longlegs at home
- #arachnids
- #venom
- #myths
- #frogs
- #predator-prey
You have probably heard the old rumor that daddy-longlegs are the most venomous spiders on Earth, but cannot bite you because their fangs are too short. Spider experts at UC Riverside note this is completely false. However, a new 2026 study shows these bugs are still fierce…