Bug Identifier
Long-bodied cellar spider (likely)
Community identification

Long-bodied cellar spider (likely)

Pholcus phalangioides

Order & Family
Araneae, Pholcidae
Size
Adult body length is about 6–9 mm, with legs spanning roughly 35–50 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Buildings, basements, garages, cellars, and other dark, quiet indoor spaces; it builds loose, irregular webs in corners and ceilings.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small arthropods captured in its web; it may also prey on other spiders.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and usually sedentary, but it vibrates rapidly in its web when disturbed. Females carry a small cluster of eggs beneath the body, and adults may persist year-round indoors.

Risks & Benefits

Essentially harmless to people and not medically significant. Beneficial as a household predator of nuisance insects and other spiders.