Cellar Spider, Daddy Long-Legs 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 has a small, oval-to-globular abdomen and a distinctively fused or segmented-looking cephalothorax. It features extremely delicate proportions with thread-like appendages.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 7-10 mm for females, with an expansive leg span reaching up to 50-70 mm. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Pale gray, tan, or light brown coloration with subtle darker markings or spots on the cephalothorax and translucent legs, sometimes showing faint banding.
Web Type
Irregular, loose tangle webs (cobwebs) constructed in dark, damp corners, cellars, and under furniture.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in a tight cluster on an elevated tubercle, consisting of a triad on each side and two smaller median eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Extremely long, thin, and fragile legs that lack heavy spination. When disturbed, the spider engages in a rapid vibrating or bouncing defense mechanism.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom used to subdue small invertebrate prey. It is entirely harmless to humans and incapable of piercing human skin effectively.
Medical Significance
Zero medical significance. Despite the urban legend claiming they are the most venomous spiders with mouths too small to bite humans, this is a complete myth.
Safety Recommendations
No safety measures needed as they are completely harmless. If unwanted, they can be gently relocated using a cup and a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution worldwide, predominantly found indoors in human habitations, dark corners, cellars, basements, and garages, as well as caves outdoors.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and completely harmless to humans. When threatened, it violently bounces in its web to become a blur and evade predators.
Diet & Prey
Insects and other spiders, famously including larger and potentially venomous spiders like redbacks or hobo spiders, which they successfully hunt using silk wraps.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors due to climate-controlled environments, with increased wandering and mating activity during warmer months.
Description
The cellar spider is a familiar household guest, known for its remarkably long legs and preference for dark corners. Despite their fragile appearance, they are fierce predators of other spiders and household pests.
Key Features
Extremely long, thread-like legs, a small oval abdomen, pale tan coloration, and the characteristic rapid vibrating behavior when disturbed.
Similar Species
Opiliones (harvestmen, which are arachnids but not true spiders) and Pholcus opilionoides; distinguished by the spider's segmented body parts and silk-producing abilities.
Life Cycle
Females carry eggs loosely in their chelicerae wrapped in a minimal silk web. Spiderlings hatch and molt multiple times, living for up to several years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent inside homes, keeping populations of mosquitoes, flies, and other spiders in check.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, thriving globally due to close association with human habitations.
Interesting Facts
Cellar spiders are known to invade the webs of other spiders, mimic prey vibrations to lure the host out, and consume them. They can also regenerate lost legs during juvenile molts.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with a high depth of field to capture the entire leg span and delicate body. A dark background helps contrast the pale coloration.
Identified: 2026-09-28T16:40:02.460201