| Scientific name | Opiliones order |
|---|---|
| Group | Ticks, Mites & Other Arachnids |
| Size | 2–7 mm (up to about 0.28 in) |
| Colors | Brown, Tan and Gray |
| Legs | 8 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Garden or plants, Woods or trails and Basement or garage |
| Most active | Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Harmless |
How to identify it
The harvestman is a small member of the ticks, mites & other arachnids group. Eight legs as adults, no antennae and no wings. Check for these three features:
- One round body section instead of two
- Eight very long, thin legs
- Only two eyes on a small bump
About this bug
Often called daddy longlegs, a long-legged arachnid with a single fused, oval body and no venom glands. It scavenges on dead insects, fungi and plant matter.
You'll usually find harvestmen in gardens and on plants, in woods and along trails and in basements and garages. They are most active in summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Harvestmen have no venom and no silk; they are completely harmless.
Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.
When you'll see harvestmen
Harvestmen are most active in summer and fall. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: garden or plants, woods or trails and basement or garage.
About ticks, mites & other arachnids
The harvestman is one of the ticks, mites & other arachnids. This group includes ticks, mites, scorpions and harvestmen. Like spiders, adults have eight legs and no antennae, though larval ticks and chiggers have only six. Ticks and some mites feed on blood or skin, while scorpions hunt insects and harvestmen scavenge.
Ticks move through larva, nymph and adult stages, and each stage needs a blood meal. Nymphs are tiny and active in late spring and summer, which is when many tick-borne infections happen.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Harvestmen are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Group: Harvestman belongs to ticks, mites & other arachnids, while cellar spider belongs to spiders. Eight legs as adults, no antennae and no wings.
Group: Harvestman belongs to ticks, mites & other arachnids, while crane fly belongs to flies & mosquitoes. Eight legs as adults, no antennae and no wings.
Frequently asked questions
What does a harvestman look like?
One round body section instead of two. Adults measure 2–7 mm (up to about 0.28 in).
Does the harvestman bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Harvestmen have no venom and no silk; they are completely harmless.
Where do harvestmen live?
Harvestmen live in gardens and on plants, in woods and along trails and in basements and garages.
When are harvestmen most active?
Mostly in summer and fall.