![]() Wire service provided by AFP and Press Association. Irish sport images provided by Inpho Photography You can obtain a copy of theĬode, or contact the Council, at PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: images provided by AlamyĪnd RollingNews.ie unless otherwise stated. Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Not only does the cellar spider have venom and fangs, but Myles says that most in Ireland are the same: He also noted that very potent venom is often the subject of intensive scientific studies, something which Daddy Longlegs have not. While their jaw and fangs are quite small, Myles said they still need to be “needle sharp to guarantee them their dinner”. What little poison they do have is probably only enough to cause an itching sensation, although they are more interested in woodlice than humans. “A spider without fangs would actually not be a spider,” Myles told TheJournal.ie, “their jaw structure, which includes the fang, is one of the primary characteristics that defines a spider.” The Harvestman is not technically a spider and doesn’t have fangs, although they do have the ability to produce a very weak “ defensive secretion”.īut the cellar spider? Arachnid expert Myles Nolan said the idea that they are the most venomous spider in the world is a complete myth - although they do have fangs and venom glands. The Crane Fly can be instantly dismissed from this as the adult of species does not eat they exist only to mate. The one in question is generally not a Crane Fly or Harvestman spider, but a cellar spider ( Pholcus phalangioides), pictured below. However, are we already living in peace with the deadliest spider in the world, the Daddy Longlegs? And are we in fact surrounded by all sorts of venomous spiders without realising it?Īn old wives tales has led many to believe that the Daddy Longlegs is the most, or one of the most, venomous spiders in the world, but due to an evolutionary quirk they don’t have the fangs necessary to bite.Ī variation on this says that they have the fangs, but they’re just not quite strong enough to pierce human skin.įirstly, it’s important to note what we’re talking about here, as a few creepy-crawlies are called Daddy Longlegs. Its bite has effects similar to that of a wasp sting. The False Widow has been found in many locations across England, and has recently popped up more often in Ireland. The spread of a poisonous spider across the British Isles has grabbed the interest of many in recent weeks. IN THIS SERIES, TheJournal.ie takes a look at an urban myth, old wives’ tale, or something that your mammy told you years ago to see if there’s any truth in it.
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