
Community identification
Cellar Spider
Pholcus phalangioides
- Order & Family
- Order: Araneae, Family: Pholcidae
- Size
- Body length 7–9 mm; legs can span up to 50 mm.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in dark, damp environments like basements, cellars, caves, and corners of homes.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds on small insects, other spiders (including larger species), and woodlice.
Behavior Patterns
Known for building messy, irregular webs; they exhibit a 'shaking' or vibrating defense mechanism when disturbed to blur their outline.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans with very weak fangs; highly beneficial for natural pest control as they hunt mosquitoes, flies, and other household spiders.