Pholcus opilionoides
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Pholcidae
- Genus: Pholcus
- Species: opilionoides
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pholcus opilionoides: //ˈfɔl.kʊs oʊˌpɪl.iˌɒnˈɔɪ.diːz//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Pholcus opilionoides is a species of spider in the family Pholcidae, found predominantly in Europe and possibly parts of the Caucasus and Iran. It is characterized by its dark carapace markings and relatively small size.
Physical Characteristics
Body length (excluding legs) of adults: 3-5.5 mm. Dark marks on the lateral border of the carapace.
Identification Tips
Can be separated from related species by the dark marks on the lateral border of their carapace. Unlike P. manueli, P. opilionoides does not have two dark vertical stripes on the clypeus. P. phalangioides is generally larger than P. opilionoides and has distinctly divided medial marks on the carapace.
Habitat
Commonly found in man-made structures, such as basements and cellars.
Distribution
Europe, east to Azerbaijan; sparingly introduced in North America, distribution largely unknown.
Diet
Insectivorous, primarily preying on small insects.
Ecosystem Role
Predator of small insects, contributing to the control of pest populations.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Pholcidae
- spider
- cellar spider
- Pholcus opilionoides