
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.
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.