Longbodied Cellar Spider

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pholcus phalangioides: /ˈfɔlkʊs fəˌlæŋɡiˈɔɪdiːz/

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Summary

Pholcus phalangioides, or the long-bodied cellar spider, is a small, cosmopolitan spider known for its long legs and beneficial role in controlling other pest populations while being harmless to humans.

Physical Characteristics

Body length ranges from 6-10 mm, with a leg span significantly larger; legs can be 5-6 times the body length. The spider has a peanut-like shaped cephalothorax that is grey-pale brown with dark spots. It has eight eyes arranged in rows.

Identification Tips

Males average 6 mm, females are around 8 mm. Distinction from similar species: P. phalangioides does not have vertical stripes on the clypeus, and has a medial mark on the carapace that is less distinctly divided than that of P. manueli.

Habitat

Common in man-made structures such as houses, garages, and cellars; prefers dimly lit and quiet areas.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan, found on every continent due to its association with human dwellings; originally likely native to subtropical regions of the Old World, likely Asia.

Diet

Carnivorous, feeding on insects and other spiders; known to engage in cannibalism in low prey availability.

Life Cycle

Takes about one year to mature; lifespan can be two years or more post-maturity.

Reproduction

Females carry eggs in a silk-bound bundle in their chelicerae; mating involves distinct courtship behaviors.

Predators

Prayed upon by jumping spiders, particularly Portia fimbriata, which uses mimicry to catch P. phalangioides.

Ecosystem Role

Beneficial spider species that helps control pest populations, including other spiders.

Cultural Significance

Also known as 'daddy long-legs,' often confused with other arachnids and insects; regarded as harmless to humans.

Health Concerns

Generally considered harmless with negligible effects from bite, producing mild stinging sensations; not dangerous to humans.

Collecting Methods

• Active searching in preferred habitats.
• Using sweep nets in vegetation.

Preservation Methods

• Alcohol preservation for specimens.
• Drying specimens for mounting.

Evolution

Part of the family Pholcidae, shares ancestry with approximately 1,340 similar cellar spiders.

Similar Taxa

• Pholcus manueli
• Pholcus opilionoides

Misconceptions

Commonly thought unable to bite humans due to small fang size; however, they can and do bite, though reports are rare and not serious.

Tags

• Arachnida
• Spiders
• Pholcidae
• Cellar Spider
• Cosmopolitan Species