Bug Identifier
Cellar spider (likely long-bodied cellar spider)
Community identification

Cellar spider (likely long-bodied cellar spider)

Pholcus phalangioides

Order & Family
Araneae; Pholcidae
Size
Body about 6–9 mm long; legs may span ನ. 40–50 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Quiet, sheltered indoor areas such as window frames, ceilings, basements, garages, and corners. It commonly builds webs in buildings worldwide.

Diet & Feeding

Predatory; it captures flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small arthropods in irregular, tangled webs.

Behavior Patterns

It vibrates rapidly in its web when disturbed, making it difficult to see. Females carry an egg cluster in their jaws, and adults may persist indoors year-round.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people and not medically significant. It benefits homes by consuming nuisance insects and other spiders.