Cellar spider, Long-bodied cellar spider, Daddy long-legs
Pholcus phalangioides
Pholcidae (Cellar Spiders), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include extremely long, delicate legs and an ability to vibrate rapidly when disturbed.
Physical Description
The spider features a small, pear-shaped or oval abdomen, a somewhat rounded cephalothorax, and extremely long, thread-like legs that are disproportionate to the body size. The overall texture is smooth and delicate with minimal visible hair.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 7 to 10 millimeters, with a leg span reaching up to 5 to 7 centimeters. This specimen appears to be a typical adult.
Coloration & Markings
Pale gray, pale yellow, or light brown, often with translucent qualities. The cephalothorax may feature a faint darker grey marking near the center, and the abdomen can display subtle, irregular pale spots.
Web Type
Irregular, tangled, three-dimensional cobwebs built in corners, ceilings, cellars, and undisturbed dark spaces. These webs are non-sticky and trap prey through sheer structural complexity.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in a distinct triad pattern on an elevated mound on the cephalothorax, consisting of a tight group of three on each side and two smaller median eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Extremely long, thin, and fragile legs with subtle darker banding at the joints. When resting or disturbed, the spider holds onto the web and can oscillate or vibrate its body violently to become a motion blur.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom specialized for subduing arthropod prey. The venom is extremely weak relative to humans and cannot effectively penetrate human skin in most cases.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Despite urban legends regarding extreme toxicity, they lack the medical significance or mouthparts capable of causing serious harm to humans.
Safety Recommendations
No safety measures needed as they pose zero threat. If unwanted, they can be gently relocated outside using a cup and piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution found worldwide in temperate and tropical regions. Prefers dark, humid human habitations such as basements, cellars, crawlspaces, garages, and damp corners of rooms.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and completely non-aggressive toward humans. When threatened, it vigorously vibrates its web to confuse predators, or drops out of the web to escape.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator feeding on insects, other spiders (including venomous species like widow spiders), woodlice, and small arthropods using a wrapping technique before delivering a paralyzing bite.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, though mating and increased movement are frequently observed during warmer spring and summer months.
Description
The cellar spider is a familiar and harmless household companion recognized instantly by its impossibly long legs and dainty body. Hanging upside down in chaotic webs tucked into ceiling corners, these stealthy hunters perform valuable pest control quietly and unobtrusively.
Key Features
Extremely long, thread-like legs, pale translucent coloration, pear-shaped abdomen, and the unique defensive habit of vibrating rapidly in the web.
Similar Species
Harvestmen (Order Opiliones), which are arachnids but not true spiders, lacking a segmented waist and silk glands; and crane flies (Order Diptera), which possess only six legs and wings.
Life Cycle
Females carry eggs loosely bundled in their mouthparts in a loose silk sac rather than hanging it in the web. Spiderlings hatch as miniature adults and undergo multiple molts over a lifespan of up to several years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent inside homes and buildings, keeping populations of flies, mosquitoes, and other spiders in check.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widely distributed globally due to close association with human structures.
Interesting Facts
Cellar spiders are famous for actively hunting and consuming other dangerous spiders, including redbacks and black widows, frequently winning fights against larger and more venomous arachnids.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with a ring flash or diffused lighting. Capture from the side to highlight the unique eye tubercle and leg proportions against a neutral background.
Identified: 2026-08-06T22:57:45.019135