Bug Identifier
Mexican Cellar Spider
Community identification

Mexican Cellar Spider

Physocyclus mexicanus

Order & Family
Order: Araneae; Family: Pholcidae
Size
Body length 2 to 5 mm, with long, thin legs extending up to 50 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in dark, secluded areas such as basements, cellars, caves, and crevices in both urban and natural environments.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on small insects, other spiders, and occasionally woodlice by trapping them in irregular webs.

Behavior Patterns

Known for vibrating or 'whirling' in their web when disturbed to confuse predators. They are nocturnal and sedentary web-builders.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans as their fangs are typically too short to penetrate skin. Beneficial to the ecosystem by controlling populations of indoor pests and insects.