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

Long-bodied cellar spider (likely)

Pholcus phalangioides

Order & Family
Araneae, Pholcidae (cellar spiders)
Size
Body about 6–10 mm long; legs may span 35–50 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Quiet, dim indoor areas such as ceilings, corners, basements, garages, and sheds; also occurs in sheltered outdoor sites.

Diet & Feeding

Predatory, feeding on flies, mosquitoes, moths, small spiders, and other trapped arthropods. It immobilizes prey with silk and venom.

Behavior Patterns

Builds loose, irregular cobwebs and often vibrates rapidly when disturbed, becoming difficult to see. Females carry an egg bundle in their jaws; young disperse after hatching.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people and pets, with venom too weak to pose a meaningful threat. Beneficial as a household predator of nuisance insects; the image is not detailed enough for certain species-level identification.