Long-bodied Cellar Spider, Daddy Long-legs Spider
Pholcus phalangioides
Pholcidae (Cellar Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated body shape with a small, oval cephalothorax and a much longer, cylindrical or oval abdomen. Proportions feature exceptionally long, thread-like legs relative to the tiny body size. The texture is generally smooth and somewhat translucent.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 7 to 10 millimeters, with a total leg span reaching up to 5 to 7 centimeters.
Coloration & Markings
Pale yellowish-gray, tan, or light brown base coloration. The cephalothorax often features a darker central marking, and the abdomen may display subtle grayish or brownish spots, though they generally lack high-contrast patterns.
Web Type
Irregular, three-dimensional tangle webs or sheet-like webs constructed in dark, damp corners, cellars, basements, and upper room corners.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in a tight cluster on an elevated tubercle on the anterior cephalothorax, consisting of a triad on each side and two smaller median eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Extremely long, fragile, and delicate legs with slight banding variations near the joints. The legs lack heavy spines and are capable of rapid, vibrating defensive motions when disturbed.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom designed specifically for small invertebrate prey. Their chelicerae are generally too weak to easily puncture human skin, and venom effects on humans are negligible.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. There is a common urban legend regarding extreme toxicity, but this is entirely scientifically false; they pose no medical threat whatsoever.
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 across the globe, heavily adapted to human habitations such as basements, cellars, garages, and dark corners of houses, as well as natural caves and sheltered rock crevices.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive toward humans. When threatened, they rapidly vibrate their bodies within the web to become a blur, confusing potential predators.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on various insects, other spiders (including venomous species like widow spiders), and woodlice. They use long legs to wrap prey in silk rapidly from a safe distance.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, though mating and increased movement are commonly observed during warmer spring and summer months.
Description
The long-bodied cellar spider is a familiar and harmless household companion across the globe. Known commonly as the daddy long-legs spider, it thrives in quiet, undisturbed corners of human dwellings. Despite its fragile appearance and delicate frame, it is a remarkably effective predator capable of subduing much larger spiders and insects.
Key Features
Extremely long, thread-like legs, elongated pale abdomen, irregular tangled web architecture, and the distinctive defensive bouncing or vibrating behavior.
Similar Species
Harvestmen (Order Opiliones, also called daddy long-legs) and crane flies (Order Diptera), both of which lack silk glands and have fused body segments rather than a distinct two-part spider body.
Life Cycle
Females carry eggs in a loose, silk-bound cluster held directly in their jaws until hatching. Spiderlings undergo multiple molts, and adults can live for several years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural pest controller in homes and buildings, regulating populations of nuisance insects and other arachnids.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, highly abundant, secure, and thriving globally alongside human environments.
Interesting Facts
Cellar spiders are famous for actively hunting and consuming other dangerous spiders, such as redbacks and black widows, often emerging victorious despite their delicate build.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with a high depth of field to capture both the tiny body and the extensive web. Natural side-lighting helps highlight the translucent texture and eye arrangement.
Identified: 2026-08-11T22:35:07.011601