Bug Identifier
Cellar Spider
Community identification

Cellar Spider

Pholcus phalangioides

Order & Family
Order: Araneae; Family: Pholcidae
Size
Body length 7-10 mm; legs can be up to 50 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in dark, damp environments such as cellars, basements, caves, and corners of ceilings in homes.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on small insects, flies, moths, and even other spiders longer than itself.

Behavior Patterns

Known for spinning messy, irregular webs and vibrating rapidly when threatened to blur their image (shaking behavior).

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans as their fangs are rarely able to pierce skin; highly beneficial for natural pest control in homes.