Bug Identifier
Long-bodied Cellar Spider
Community identification

Long-bodied Cellar Spider

Pholcus phalangioides

Order & Family
Araneae, Pholcidae
Size
Body length typically 7-10 mm; leg span can be up to 50-70 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in dark, undisturbed places like cellars, basements, attics, and corners of rooms. Can also be found outdoors in sheltered locations.

Diet & Feeding

Insectivorous, feeding on other spiders (including venomous ones like redbacks), insects (e.g., mosquitoes, flies), and other small invertebrates. They often invade the webs of other spiders and eat the occupant or its prey.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their extremely long, thin legs and for hanging upside down in messy, irregular webs. When disturbed, they often vibrate rapidly in their web, making themselves difficult to see. They are not aggressive towards humans.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered harmless to humans; their fangs are too small to easily penetrate human skin, and their venom is not medically significant. They provide a benefit by preying on other household pests, including more dangerous spiders.