Definition & Meaning of "harvestman"

What is a "harvestman"?

A harvestman, also known as a daddy longlegs or a harvest spider, is a type of arachnid belonging to the order Opiliones. Despite their spider-like appearance, harvestmen are not true spiders. They have long, thin legs and a small body, resembling a tiny version of a spider. Harvestmen are known for their distinctive habit of holding their legs horizontally when at rest. They are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. Harvestmen are harmless to humans and do not possess venom or silk glands like spiders. They feed on small insects, decaying organic matter, and occasionally plant material. Harvestmen play an important role in ecosystems as scavengers, helping to decompose organic material and control insect populations.