Bug Identifier
Cellar spider (daddy longlegs)
Community identification

Cellar spider (daddy longlegs)

Pholcus phalangioides

Order & Family
Araneae, family Pholcidae
Size
Adult body length is about 6–10 mm, with a leg span commonly reaching 40–50 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Common indoors in quiet, dim, humid areas such as basements, cellars, garages, and corners of rooms; also found in sheds and caves.

Diet & Feeding

A predator of small insects, mites, and other spiders, including prey caught in its irregular, tangled web.

Behavior Patterns

Builds loose cobwebs and often vibrates rapidly when disturbed, making its body difficult to see. Females carry egg clusters in their jaws until spiderlings hatch.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people and not medically significant; it can reduce nuisance insects and other household spiders. Its webs are chiefly a cosmetic nuisance.