Pholcus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pholcus: //ˈfoʊkəs//

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Summary

Pholcus phalangioides, or cosmopolitan cellar spider, is a species of spider in the family Pholcidae, recognized for its long legs and synanthropic behavior. They are prevalent in human-made structures and play a beneficial role in controlling pest populations.

Physical Characteristics

Males are around 6 to 10 mm in length; females are slightly larger, averaging 7 to 8 mm. Long and thin legs, averaging 5 to 6 times the length of the body; average leg length of adult females is approximately 50 mm. Translucent bodies are grey-pale brown with a dark spot on the back of the prosoma and indistinct dark spots on the opisthosoma. Eight-eyed with eyes arranged in a specific pattern.

Identification Tips

Males of Pholcus phalangioides are generally larger than females. P. manueli has two dark, vertical stripes on the clypeus, while P. phalangioides and P. opilionoides do not. P. manueli has a more distinctly divided dark medial mark on the carapace compared to P. phalangioides. P. opilionoides is identified by dark marks on the lateral border of the carapace.

Habitat

Commonly found in human dwellings, garages, cellars, and caves. Prefers dimly lit, quiet areas of buildings.

Distribution

Originally likely in subtropical regions of the Old World, now present on every continent due to human spread. Not endemic to cold environments; prefers warm habitats indoors and in caves.

Diet

Carnivorous, feeding on insects, other spiders, and small invertebrates. Engages in cannibalism if prey is scarce.

Life Cycle

Takes about one year to mature, with a lifespan of up to two years or more post-maturity.

Reproduction

Males perform a series of courtship behaviors to avoid being mistaken for prey. Copulation can occur for 16 to 122 minutes depending on the female's mating history. Females are aggressive post-copulation.

Predators

Preyed upon by jumping spiders (Salticidae), particularly using a strategy of mimicry to ambush them.

Ecosystem Role

Considered beneficial as they prey on other spiders, including potentially dangerous ones like redback spiders.

Cultural Significance

Commonly known as the daddy long-legs spider, and often confused with other arachnids with the same name.

Health Concerns

Considered harmless to humans; bites result in mild stinging sensations with negligible effects.

Evolution

P. phalangioides shares ancestry with numerous other spider species in the family Pholcidae that exhibit similar long leg morphology.

Similar Taxa

• Granddaddy long-legs spider
• Carpenter spider
• Vibrating spider

Misconceptions

There is a misconception that P. phalangioides cannot bite humans due to presumed inadequate fang length; they can bite, but reports of bites are rare and symptoms mild.

Tags

• Pholcus
• cellar spider
• daddy long-legs
• arachnid
• beneficial insect