Long-bodied Cellar Spider, Daddy Long-legs Spider, Skull Spider
Pholcus phalangioides
Pholcidae (Cellar Spiders), Order Araneae. Key family traits include extremely long, thin legs and a habit of vibrating in the web when disturbed.
Physical Description
The body is divided into a small, somewhat circular cephalothorax and a long, cylindrical abdomen that is roughly three times the length of the cephalothorax. The texture is smooth and matte with fine, nearly invisible hairs.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 7-9mm (female) or 6-8mm (male). The leg span is much larger, often reaching 50-60mm (about 2 inches or more).
Coloration & Markings
Generally pale tan, cream, or grayish-brown. The cephalothorax features a darker, blurred central marking that some say resembles a human skull. The abdomen is translucent and uniform in color.
Web Type
Tangle web or cobweb. It is an irregular, messy structure of non-sticky silk, usually built in corners near ceilings or in basements and garages.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in three groups: two lateral groups of three eyes each and one pair of small anterior median eyes in the center.
Leg Characteristics
Extremely long and thin, almost thread-like. The joints often appear darker (banded) and the legs are highly flexible, allowing for a unique vibrating defense mechanism.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom, but it is extremely weak against humans and most mammals. Potent against other arthropods, which allows them to take down larger prey.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Their fangs are too small to easily penetrate human skin, and in the rare event of a bite, symptoms are limited to a mild, short-lived stinging sensation.
Safety Recommendations
No action is typically needed as they are beneficial. If desired, they can be safely moved outside using a cup and paper. They are not a threat to pets or children.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found worldwide. Highly synanthropic, preferring dark, quiet, indoor spaces like cellars, attics, crawlspaces, and sheds.
Behavior & Temperament
Passive and non-aggressive. When threatened, they engage in 'whirling'—vibrating rapidly in their web to become a blur to predators. They are nocturnal hunters.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on small insects and other spiders. Known to be formidable predators of much larger spiders, including Black Widows and Hobo spiders, by throwing silk over them from a distance.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in temperature-controlled indoor environments, though sightings may increase in autumn as they move toward heat sources.
Description
An elegant and omnipresent resident of human dwellings, the Long-bodied Cellar Spider is easily identified by its spindly legs and habit of hanging upside down in corners. Despite their fragile appearance, they are master hunters that provide excellent natural pest control.
Key Features
Cylindrical abdomen, extremely long and thin legs, skull-like marking on the cephalothorax, and the behavior of vibrating when poked.
Similar Species
Opiliones (Harvestmen), which have a fused body and no silk; and other Pholcidae species like Crossopriza lyoni, which have a more squared-off abdomen.
Life Cycle
Females carry their egg sacs in their chelicerae (mouthparts) rather than attaching them to the web. Spiderlings are translucent and stay with the mother for a short time after hatching. They can live up to 3 years.
Ecological Importance
Critical household predator that controls populations of flies, gnats, and more concerning spiders like Recluses or Widows.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; stable and abundant worldwide due to their association with human structures.
Interesting Facts
The urban legend that they are the 'most venomous spider but have fangs too small to bite' is a myth. Their venom is actually quite weak, though effective against other spiders.
Photography Tips
Focus on the cephalothorax to capture the eye arrangement and 'skull' marking. Use a macro lens if possible and avoid touching the web to prevent them from vibrating and blurring the shot.
Identified: 2026-07-18T04:25:55.959214