
Community identification
Cellar spider (likely long-bodied cellar spider)
Pholcus phalangioides
- Order & Family
- Araneae; Pholcidae
- Size
- Body about 6–10 mm long; legs can span roughly 40–50 mm.
Natural Habitat
Common indoors in quiet, dim, humid areas such as window corners, basements, garages, and ceilings; it often builds webs near openings.
Diet & Feeding
Predatory, feeding on flies, mosquitoes, moths, mites, and other spiders caught in its loose, irregular web.
Behavior Patterns
It vibrates rapidly in its web when threatened, making its body difficult to see. Females carry egg sacs in their jaws, and adults may persist indoors year-round.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to people and pets; its bite is extremely unlikely and medically insignificant. It benefits homes by consuming nuisance insects and occasionally other spiders.