Bug Identifier
Cellar Spider / Daddy Long-legs Spider
Community identification

Cellar Spider / Daddy Long-legs Spider

Pholcus phalangioides

Order & Family
Order: Araneae, Family: Pholcidae
Size
Body length typically 7-8 mm, with extremely long, thin legs that can span up to 5-7 cm or more.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in dark, damp, and undisturbed areas of homes such as basements, cellars, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and sheds. They can also be found outdoors in sheltered spots.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly insects, other spiders (including venomous ones like Black Widows), and small invertebrates. They wrap their prey in silk before consuming it.

Behavior Patterns

Cellar spiders are known for their rapid, erratic vibrations when disturbed, making them difficult for predators to catch. They build irregular, messy webs in corners and undisturbed areas, often hanging upside down. They are nocturnal hunters.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered harmless to humans; their fangs are too small to penetrate human skin easily, and their venom is not medically significant. They benefit humans by preying on other household pests, including mosquitoes, flies, and other spiders. No significant risks.