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Extension Entomology

Opilionids

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Article author: Extension Entomologist at Weslaco (Vacant)
Most recently reviewed by: Sonja Swiger & Pat Porter (2020)

Common Name(s): Daddy longlegs, Harvestmen, Opiliones

Description

Opilionids, also called harvestmen or daddy longlegs, are common arachnids that are often under-appreciated, or even greatly feared.  While it is true that they are related to spiders, they are in a separate Order, or taxonomic group, from spiders.  There are some key differences between these two groups, listed in Table 1.  Opilionids lack venom glands and fangs, thus the urban legend that they produce a deadly venom, just cannot bite is completely inaccurate.

Table 1.  Differences between opiliones and spiders.

Opiliones Spiders
Do NOT produce venom Produce venom
Do NOT produce silk Produce silk
2 eyes 6-8 eyes

Like other arachnids, opilionids have two-segmented bodies although there is no narrowing where these two segments join.  Thus, their bodies are oval in shape, ranging in length from approximately 0.2 – 1 cm.  They have four pairs of legs that may be very long and spindly, or much shorter.  They also have a pair of pedipalps near their mouth they use for capturing food, feeding, and mating.  They typically blend in well with their environment and may be reddish brown to grey or black in color with various markings on the legs and body.

Origin and Distribution

There are over 6,000 species of Opiliones identified worldwide and they can be found on all continents except Antarctica.  Many species can be found throughout Texas, and several species are quite common in residential landscapes.

Showing several species of opilionids.

Photo by Joan Kearby Harves

Habitat & Hosts

Most species are active at night and remain sheltered under bark, mulch, rocks, and in caves or other structures during the day.  They dehydrate easily thus are often found in association with moist environments. Occasionally, they can be found in large aggregations, probably to take advantage of a favorable habitat, reduce water loss, for protection from predators, or to mate.

They do not have good vision but rely largely on vibrations detected by specialized hairs on the second set of legs along with olfactory cues to navigate their environment and locate prey.  Opilionids are generalist predators and/or scavengers, feeding on a wide range of live and dead soft-bodied prey including aphids, caterpillars, beetle larvae, slugs, mites, spiders, and even other opilionids.  Unlike spiders that use venom to subdue prey, harvestmen grab prey and use their mouthparts (chelicerae and pedipalps) to tear apart and consume food.  Some species have also been reported to feed on pollen, plant matter, and fungi.

Opilionids may deter predators by releasing repelling or irritating chemical compounds in the form of a gas or fluid.  They may also exhibit a “bobbing” behavior, vibrating their bodies rapidly, making it difficult for a predator to get a good grip on them.  If a predator does latch onto a leg, opilionids are capable of releasing individual legs at the joint closest to their bodies.  This detached leg may continue to twitch for some time, distracting the would-be predator while they escape.

Life Cycle

Most opilionids reproduce sexually, although a few are capable of reproducing parthenogenetically (females produce offspring without mating).  After mating, males often guard the female until she deposits her eggs. Females have a long ovipositor they use to place eggs singly or in groups in protected areas such as under mulch, bark, or in the soil.  In some species the females may remain to guard the eggs until they hatch, while many others provide no further maternal care.  Eggs hatch in about a month and the young will go through several molts before they reach the adult, sexually mature, stage.  Adults may live from just a few months to a year or more.  In more northern regions of Texas, they may overwinter in all life stages in protected areas such as outbuildings, under rocks, logs, etc.

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

Opilionids are not considered a pest.  Contrary to the popular urban legend, they are not one of the most venomous and deadly organisms known to mankind!  They lack venom glands and fangs, making this myth completely unfounded. Therefore, if one is found in a dwelling it can safely be removed outdoors.  Opilionids feed on many pest insects such as aphids and caterpillars, and “clean up” by feeding on dead organisms, so they can be considered beneficial in the landscape.  However, if they become a nuisance or aggregate in significant numbers, habitat modification, including removing shady or protected areas, and drying out or exposing favorable habitats to sunlight will likely cause them to relocate.

Related Publications

Ohio’s Natural Enemies: Harvestmen (also known as daddy longlegs). Ohio State University. Available here.

Daddy Longlegs (Harvestmen). Missouri Department of Conservation. Available here.

Citations

Gardiner, M. and M. Griffith. Ohio’s Natural Enemies: Harvestmen (also known as daddy longlegs). 2016. Ohio State University Extension. Ent-68. Available here.

Pinto-da-Rocha, R., M. Glauco and G. Gonzalo. 2007. Harvestmen: The Biology of Opiliones. Harvard University Press. Boston, Massachusetts. 608 pages.

 

Argiope

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Article author:
Most recently reviewed by: David Kerns & Janet Hurley (2020)

Common Name(s): argiope

Description

The word Argiope means “with a bright face” in Latin. Like all spiders, they have a cephalothorax, abdomen, eight legs, fangs, and a silk spinner. Being an orb weaver, spiders in the genus Argiope spp. have a unique third claw on each leg that is used to assist in the weaving of the spider’s complex webs. Their webs are often large and have a zig-zag pattern in the center. The reason for this pattern is unknown, though it is thought that it may be used to attract prey. Argiope spp. spiders consume and rebuild their web every day. Known for their black and yellow patterns on their body, and occasionally an orange and/or black pattern on their legs, these spiders are incredibly beautiful and easily recognized. As with most spiders the females of this genus are larger than their male counterparts. Females are usually around ¾” to 1 ⅛” while males are usually ¼” to ⅜” in size. These spiders are found all over the world and in the lower 48 states of the U.S.A.

Habitat & Hosts

Argiope spp.  spiders are not a pest in the traditional sense of the word as they do not feed on crops or garden plants, but to those who are afraid of spiders it can be considered a pest. As with most spiders, Argiope spp. are beneficial organisms because they kill and consume insect pests that damage crops and garden plants.

Life Cycle

Argiope spp. mate once a year. Mature male spiders roam in search of potential mates. Once a suitable mate has been found, the male then builds a web with a zig-zag pattern either in the middle of or on the outer area of the female’s web and begins to pluck the female’s web as a courting gesture. Once impregnated females lay one or more egg sacs in her web close to her resting position. Each egg sac contains anywhere between 300 to 1400 eggs. The mother watches over her eggs but will usually die at the first hard frost. Spiders usually hatch around autumn or summer and look similar to their adult counterparts. Most spiders usually live for around a year though some females can live for multiple years in warmer climates. Most males usually die after mating.

Citations

Hammond, G. 2002. “Argiope aurantia” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Argiope_aurantia/

Hawkinson, C. ND, “Galveston Master Gardeners Beneficials in the Garden, Black and Yellow Argiope Spider” (On-line), Aggie-Horticulture, Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-24_spider_blackandyellow_argiope.htm

Murray, M. 2018. “What is a spider” (On-line), Australia Museum, Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/species-identification/ask-an-expert/what-is-a-spiders/

Carpet beetles

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Article author: Wizzie Brown
Most recently reviewed by: Blayne Reed (2021)

Common Name(s): black carpet beetle, common carpet beetle, furniture carpet beetle, varied carpet beetle

Description

Eggs are white, oval, and less than a millimeter in size.

Larvae are elongated (1/8-1/4 inch) and tan to brown in color with stiff hairs coming off of the body.  Larval color can vary based upon the color of food larvae are feeding upon. They have well developed legs and are capable of moving about, but do so slowly. As larvae grow larger, they leave shed exoskeletons behind.

Pupation either occurs in the last larval skin or in a sheltered location near where the larvae were feeding.

Adult beetles are round to oval in shape and are small in size (1/16- 1/8 inch).  The hardened wings, elytra, are covered with scales.  Color can vary dependent upon the species of carpet beetle from mottled browns and cream to mottled cream and brown to solid black.

 

Origin and Distribution

Carpet beetles can be found worldwide.

Habitat & Hosts

Carpet beetles adults can be found outdoors on crape myrtles or other plants where the adults eat pollen and nectar. When adult carpet beetles are found indoors, it is often near doors and windows where they are attracted by sunlight. Adults may also be found in rodent or bird nests.  When adults move into homes, they may lay eggs which can lead to problems. These beetles can be pests in warehouses, homes, museums and other locations.

Carpet beetle larvae feed on high protein foods, usually animal based, but they can also feed on plant material. They can be found in a variety of locations throughout the home. In the pantry, you may find them in items such as powdered milk, dried meats (jerky), or pet food. Other areas of the home they can be attracted to items made from wool, fur or feathers, areas where dead insects accumulate (i.e. light fixtures), leather book bindings, hair, silk or dried plant products. If the larvae are seen feeding on synthetic fibers, it is because the material is stained with body oils or food.

Life Cycle

Complete life cycle: egg- larva- pupa- adult

Eggs (50-100) are laid by adult females near food sources.  Larvae hatch out after about two weeks and begin to feed.  There can be from 6-12 instars (larval stages) and it can take two to six months before pupation occurs.  Adults emerge from the pupae after about 1-2 weeks.

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

A program utilizing sanitation, exclusion and insecticides should be able to get a carpet beetle problem under control.

  • Clean accumulations of hair, dead insects, and bird, rodent or wasp nests
  • Regularly clean rugs, carpets, upholstery, etc.
    • make sure to get along edges, under cushions, and under furniture where debris may collect
  • Inspect animal based items (taxidermied animals, leather, feathers, wool, silk, etc.) once a year to avoid infestations
  • Keep pantry items/ dry goods in sealed, air-tight containers
  • Infested items (if possible, depending on the items) can be heated or cooled to kill any beetles
    • freeze 2 weeks at temperatures below 18°F
    • heat for at least 30 minutes to temperatures above 120°F
  • Insecticides should be used as spot treatments- make sure carpet beetles are listed on the label as well as the area/ item you are treating
    • make sure the product will not stain

If you find a few adult carpet beetles in your home, squish them and vacuum them up.  A few adults usually do not warrant a full treatment, but you should watch for a developing infestation.

Bugwood Images

Black-and-Yellow Argiope

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Article author:
Most recently reviewed by: David Kerns & Janet Hurley (2020)

Common Name(s): argiope, Corn Spider, Yellow garden spider, Zipper Spider

Description

Argiope aurantia female and male. Photo by Tony Bartlett.

The word Argiope means “with a bright face” in Latin. Like all spiders, they have a cephalothorax, abdomen, eight legs, fangs, and a silk spinner. Being an orb weaver, spiders in the genus Argiope spp. have a unique third claw on each leg that is used to assist in the weaving of the spider’s complex webs. Their webs are often large and have a zig-zag pattern in the center. The reason for this pattern is unknown, though it is thought that it may be used to attract prey. Argiope spp. spiders consume and rebuild their web every day. Known for their black and yellow patterns on their body, and occasionally an orange and/or black pattern on their legs, these spiders are incredibly beautiful and easily recognized. As with most spiders the females of this genus are larger than their male counterparts. Females are usually around ¾” to 1 ⅛” while males are usually ¼” to ⅜” in size.

Origin and Distribution

Found all over the world and in the lower 48 states of the U.S.A

Habitat & Hosts

Argiope spp.  spiders are not a pest in the traditional sense of the word as they do not feed on crops or garden plants, but to those who are afraid of spiders it can be considered a pest. As with most spiders, Argiope spp. are beneficial organisms because they kill and consume insect pests that damage crops and garden plants.

Life Cycle

Argiope spp. mate once a year. Mature male spiders roam in search of potential mates. Once a suitable mate has been found, the male then builds a web with a zig-zag pattern either in the middle of or on the outer area of the female’s web and begins to pluck the female’s web as a courting gesture. Once impregnated females lay one or more egg sacs in her web close to her resting position. Each egg sac contains anywhere between 300 to 1400 eggs. The mother watches over her eggs but will usually die at the first hard frost. Spiders usually hatch around autumn or summer and look similar to their adult counterparts. Most spiders usually live for around a year though some females can live for multiple years in warmer climates. Most males usually die after mating.

Citations

Hammond, G. 2002. “Argiope aurantia” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Argiope_aurantia/

Hawkinson, C. ND, “Galveston Master Gardeners Beneficials in the Garden, Black and Yellow Argiope Spider” (On-line), Aggie-Horticulture, Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-24_spider_blackandyellow_argiope.htm

Murray, M. 2018. “What is a spider” (On-line), Australia Museum, Accessed April 17, 2020 at https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/species-identification/ask-an-expert/what-is-a-spiders/

Brown recluse spider

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Article author: Mike Merchant
Most recently reviewed by: Pat Porter (2018)

Common Name(s): Brown recluse spider

Description

The color of the brown recluse spider varies from light brown to greyish spider, with slender legs extending over an area about the size of a quarter to a half-dollar. Two characteristics that help distinguish this spider from similar species include the dark violin-shaped marking on the back of the front portion of the body. The three pairs of eyes are arranged in a semicircle.

“Violin” shaped marking on the head and cephalothorax. Photo Credit: Bart Drees, AgriLife Extension.

Adult brown recluse spiders are most frequently seen during the spring months. Mating season in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, lasts from April to early July, during which time female spiders produce up to five egg sacs, containing about 50 eggs each. The length of time required for development to the adult stage is slightly less than a year, and in the laboratory, spiders have been observed to live for up to two and a half years.

Origin and Distribution

The best-known of the recluse spiders inhabits many of the Southern and Midwestern states.They are often found in garages, firewood piles, cluttered cellars, and piles of stored boards. Around homes they are often found around bathrooms, bedrooms and closets, under furniture, behind baseboards and door facings, or in corners and crevices. They are most active during the night when they hunt. People are often bitten while they are asleep after rolling over one in bed. Others are bitten while putting on clothes that have been hung undisturbed near where they are hiding.

Recluse spiders, as their name implies, are generally shy. They spin nondescript white or grayish webs, where they may hide during the day. They are predators of insects and other arthropods.

Habitat & Hosts

Brown recluse spiders are insect predators. When large numbers of spiders are present in a building it usually means that insect prey are also abundant. Common prey for spiders may include crickets, silverfish, cockroaches, etc.

Look in debris, under objects, piles of wood, utility boxes, storage areas, dark areas, clothing, boxes, furniture, clutter and stacks of things. Indoors,they are mostly found in undisturbed storage areas, such as closets, crawl spaces, basements and attics, especially those that are cluttered. These spiders hunt at night and hide during the day. They prefer to be in locations that are not occupied by human traffic. They usually run for cover when disturbed.

Life Cycle

Egg, spiderling (nymph) and adult.  Brown recluse spiders lay 1-2 egg masses per year in dark, sheltered areas. The egg cases are round, about 5/8 inch (1.6 cm) in diameter, flat on the bottom and convex on top. After 24 to 36 days the spider lings emerge from the egg case. Their slow development is influenced by their nutrition and environmental conditions.

Management

If you live in the State of Texas, contact your local county agent or entomologist for management information. If you live outside of Texas, contact your local extension for management options.

Making sure doors are well sealed and outdoor lighting is shielded to avoid attracting outdoor insects like crickets. Good sanitation, regular pest control, and vacuuming dead insects will also help reduce insect food for spiders.

Unnecessary clutter in the structure should be eliminated, spider webs should be removed from interior and exterior areas, and a thorough vacuuming should be undertaken around, under, and behind furniture. Brown recluse spiders are frequently found in and around boxes stored in closets and attics. Stored boxes should be tightly taped shut to eliminate the availability as a nesting site. Clutter removal is best done before your pest control professional arrives.

Sticky cards readily trap brown recluse spiders, and do provide some spider control. Placing sticky cards in out of the way locations, especially next to walls, in closets and under furniture, can not only remove some of the spider population, but will allow you and your pest control provider to track the effectiveness of your control efforts over time.

Extensive infestations often require the services of a pest management professional.

Related Publications

https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/biting-stinging/others/ent-3003/