Cellar Spider

Scientific Name: Pholcus phalangioides

Order & Family: Order: Araneae, Family: Pholcidae

Size: Body length 7–9 mm; legs can span up to 50 mm.

Commonly found in dark, damp environments like basements, cellars, caves, and corners of homes.

Carnivorous; feeds on small insects, other spiders (including larger species), and woodlice.

Known for building messy, irregular webs; they exhibit a 'shaking' or vibrating defense mechanism when disturbed to blur their outline.

Harmless to humans with very weak fangs; highly beneficial for natural pest control as they hunt mosquitoes, flies, and other household spiders.

Identified on: 1/6/2026