Daddy Longlegs
Last night, a daddy longlegs startled my wife while she was reading by running up her arm. She shrieked, then laughed when she saw that it was not a spider. I took the little fellow outside and released him on the porch.
I have a history with the daddy longlegs, also known to the less-rustic and less-sentimental as “harvestmen.” They are fangless, nonvenomous, and quite interesting to watch.
Have you ever seen a daddy longlegs take a drink of water? I have. Have you ever held one in your hand and watched it flex its legs in a kind of push-up in the warm light? I have. Have you ever noticed a group of them (herd? swarm? hive? pack? pod?) on your window screen, usually several little ones with one adult in the midst, drowsing in the sun? I have.
None of the little creatures is on this earth for no reason. They all have their purpose. Just watching the little things can be a balm to the heart. And with the jangling noise of life in this fast, jittery world, a balm to the heart is of great value.
The next time you’re outside and near any plants, especially things like berry vines or honeysuckle, stand still and watch closely. You may see one of these little creatures, going about his quiet business. And perhaps he’s even aware of you. Could be.
~ S.K. Orr
4 Comments
Bruce charlton
I’ve always liked harvestmen, who seem to be gentle souls – they seem to have a single head-body blob, like a child’s drawing (instead of the separate head and abdomen of a spider).
But here the daddy longlegs name is given to a flying insect also called a crane-fly.
admin
Interesting. I’d never heard of a crane-fly. We have an insect here at our farm that looks similar, but I don’t think it’s the same thing. I’d love to return to your region someday and take some extended walks. I’ve spent time in Scotland but not in England (except at Heathrow)…
One of the more remarkable insects I’ve discovered in the last few years is the spider-killing wasp. I think it was last summer when my wife and I sat and watched one go about his grisly business right in front of us. The expression “brutal beauty” comes to mind.
William James Tychonievich
There are crane flies in most parts of the US, so I’m sure you’ve seen them. Basically, a crane fly is to a mosquito as a harvestman is to a spider: a huge, gangly, perfectly harmless caricature. When the sun is low and yellow, they fly about giddily as if drunk with its light.
admin
Well, you know, William, it seems I have seen crane flies before. Your description was lyrical and perfect, and I noticed some of them tonight out by the honeysuckle while the light was going down. Thank you, sir.