Long-bodied cellar spider, daddy long-legs spider
Pholcus phalangioides
Family Pholcidae (Cellar Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Small, delicate body with an elongated, cylindrical abdomen and very long, thread-like legs. The cephalothorax is short and wide.
Size Estimate
Body length around 7 to 10 mm with an extended leg span of up to 50 mm.
Coloration & Markings
Pale yellowish-grey or tan with indistinct darker markings on the cephalothorax and abdomen.
Web Type
Irregular, sticky tangle webs built in dark corners, basements, or ceilings.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes grouped closely together on an elevated hump on the cephalothorax, consisting of a triad on each side and a dyad in the middle.
Leg Characteristics
Extremely long, thin, and flexible legs lacking significant spination, capable of rapid vibrating motion when disturbed.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom tailored for small invertebrate prey; largely ineffective and harmless to humans.
Medical Significance
Completely harmless to humans; incapable of breaking human skin in most cases, and non-toxic if bitten.
Safety Recommendations
No safety measures needed as they are completely harmless; can be gently relocated outside using a cup and paper if unwanted.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution, frequently found indoors in human habitations, cellars, garages, and damp dark spaces.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive; when threatened, they rapidly vibrate their webs to blur their image and avoid predators.
Diet & Prey
Insects and other spiders, including larger venomous spiders like widows, which they wrap in silk before biting.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with increased roaming and mating activity during warmer months.
Description
The long-bodied cellar spider is a familiar and harmless household companion, renowned for its remarkably long legs and intricate web-spinning habits in the corners of rooms and basements.
Key Features
Extremely long, slender legs, elongated abdomen, and the habit of violently vibrating when disturbed.
Similar Species
Harvestmen (Opiliones), which are not true spiders and lack segmented bodies and silk production.
Life Cycle
Females carry eggs in a loose silk cluster held in their chelicerae until hatching; multiple molts lead to adulthood over a span of a year.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest controller in homes, consuming nuisance insects and other potentially harmful spiders.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN; highly stable, widespread, and successful in human-modified environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite an urban legend claiming they possess the most potent venom of any spider, their fangs are too short and weak to affect humans.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with steady lighting and close-range focus while avoiding disturbing the web to prevent the spider from vibrating.
Identified: 2026-10-10T02:19:51.310597