Long-bodied Cellar Spider, Daddy Long-legs Spider, Cellar Spider
Pholcus phalangioides
Family Pholcidae (Cellar Spiders), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include extremely long, delicate legs and an oval or elongated abdomen.
Physical Description
The spider features an extremely slender, delicate body structure with a rounded to slightly oval pale cephalothorax and a longer, cylindrical abdomen. Its proportions are dominated by its exceptionally long and thin legs relative to a tiny body size.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 7 to 10 millimeters, with an extended leg span reaching up to 5 to 7 centimeters.
Coloration & Markings
Pale grayish-yellow to translucent tan base coloration. The cephalothorax often features a distinct darker central marking, and the abdomen may show faint gray or brownish spots or chevron patterns.
Web Type
Irregular, three-dimensional tangle webs or cobwebs constructed in dark, undisturbed corners, cellars, basements, and ceilings.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in three groups: a triad on each side and a pair of smaller median eyes closely set on a raised mound.
Leg Characteristics
Extremely long, thin, and fragile legs with very faint darker banding. They lack heavy spination and use a characteristic bouncing defense mechanism when disturbed.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom used to subdue small invertebrate prey. Their venom is completely harmless to humans and they lack the fangs or mechanics to effectively bite human skin.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Despite urban legends regarding extreme potency, they pose zero medical significance and are entirely benign household guests.
Safety Recommendations
No safety measures needed as they are completely harmless. If relocation is desired, gently guide them into a cup using a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution found worldwide, strongly associated with human habitations, dark corners, basements, cellars, sheds, caves, and rock crevices.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive toward humans. When disturbed, it rapidly vibrates its web or body to become a blur, making it difficult for predators to target.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on other insects, spiders, and occasionally small crawling arthropods. Famous for successfully hunting and consuming larger spiders, including venomous species like widow spiders.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, though mating and increased wandering behavior are more frequently observed during the warmer spring and summer months.
Description
The Long-bodied Cellar Spider is a familiar household inhabitant recognized by its tiny body and extraordinarily long legs. Often referred to colloquially as daddy long-legs, these beneficial arachnids quietly patrol the corners of rooms and basements, keeping populations of nuisance insects and other spiders in check.
Key Features
Extremely long, delicate legs paired with a tiny, pale, elongated body, and the distinctive habit of vibrating rapidly in the web when threatened.
Similar Species
Often confused with harvestmen (Opiliones) and crane flies (Tipulidae), which are not true spiders. True cellar spiders can be distinguished by their segmented two-part body and silk-producing abilities.
Life Cycle
Females carry their pale egg masses in their chelicerae (mouthparts) until hatching. Spiderlings undergo multiple molts, and adults can live for several years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural pest control agent inside homes and buildings, preying on flies, mosquitoes, and competing with other indoor spiders.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are extremely secure, widespread, and thriving globally alongside human settlements.
Interesting Facts
Despite the persistent urban myth claiming they are the most venomous spiders in the world, scientific studies show their venom has virtually no effect on humans.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with a high depth of field to capture both the tiny body and the extraordinarily long legs against a clean background.
Identified: 2026-10-10T02:17:22.322334