Community identification
Cellar spider (daddy-longlegs spider)
Pholcus phalangioides
- Order & Family
- Araneae, Pholcidae
- Size
- Body about 7–10 mm; legs can span roughly 40–50 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors in dark, sheltered corners, basements, garages, and cellars; also occurs in caves and other protected sites.
Diet & Feeding
Catches small insects and other spiders in webs; may also prey on larger spiders.
Behavior Patterns
Builds loose, irregular webs and vibrates rapidly when disturbed. Females carry egg clusters in their jaws; young spiders molt several times before adulthood.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to people and pets, with no medically significant bite; beneficial because it consumes household pests and other spiders.