Cellar Spiders
Pholcidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Pholcidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pholcidae: /ˈfɒlsɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Pholcidae, commonly known as cellar spiders or daddy long-legs, are a family of long-legged spiders found worldwide, notable for their unique web-spinning behavior and dietary habits. Despite their name, they are not harmful to humans and play a role in controlling other pest spider populations.
Physical Characteristics
Pholcids have extremely long and thin legs with flexible tarsi. They can be distinguished by their eye arrangement: typically two groups of three eyes with a possible smaller middle pair, totaling eight eyes. Coloration is generally whitish or grey. Body length varies from just over 1 mm to 11 mm depending on the species, with body segments comprising a prosoma and opisthosoma differing in shape and size across genera.
Identification Tips
To distinguish Pholcidae from other long-legged spiders, look for their unique eye arrangement consisting of two groups of three eyes, which may or may not include an additional middle pair. The pointed abdomen and trapezoidal-like shape in side view are characteristic of Crossopriza lyoni.
Habitat
Pholcids are found in dark and damp recesses of caves, under rocks and loose bark, as well as in abandoned mammal burrows. In human habitats, they often construct webs in undisturbed areas in buildings such as attics and cellars.
Distribution
Pholcidae are found on every continent except Antarctica. The distribution of specific genera varies, with some being introduced to regions like North America.
Diet
Pholcidae prey primarily on insects and may invade other spiders' webs to consume the host, their eggs, or the prey captured by the host. They are known to prey on Tegenaria, redback spiders, and house spiders.
Life Cycle
Detailed life cycle information is not provided in the data; however, they are known to reproduce by laying eggs in silk-like egg sacs.
Reproduction
Pholcidae reproduce by laying eggs, which are often stored in silk sacs. They do not have specific cited details on mating practices or gestation times.
Predators
Pholcidae may be preyed upon by larger spiders and other carnivorous arthropods.
Ecosystem Role
Pholcidae may contribute to controlling spider populations, especially in areas with dense hobo spider populations, by preying on them. They can help maintain ecological balance in their habitats.
Economic Impact
Pholcidae can be beneficial by controlling pest populations like common household spiders.
Cultural Significance
Pholcidae are often misunderstood as dangerous due to the common name 'daddy long-legs', leading to myths about their venom.
Health Concerns
Pholcidae are not medically significant, and their venom is mild, not posing a danger to humans. Misconceptions about their venomous nature have led to unnecessary fear.
Evolution
Pholcidae is a family of araneomorph spiders first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1850, divided into numerous genera that have adapted to a wide range of environments.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
The common belief that 'daddy long-legs' are the most venomous spiders is incorrect. Neither Pholcidae (true spiders) nor the related Opiliones (harvestmen) possess harmful venom to humans. They are generally not dangerous.
Tags
- Pholcidae
- Cellar Spiders
- Daddy Long-legs
- Spiders
- Arachnids