Spermophora

As dwarf cellar spiders, Spermophora species are generally smaller-bodied relatives of the more familiar Pholcus and other long-legged cellar spiders. They possess the characteristic elongated legs and small, globular abdomen typical of Pholcidae, though specific distinguishing features from other Pholcinae genera require examination of genital morphology. Identification to species level typically requires microscopic analysis of male pedipalps and female epigynum.

Cellar spiders in the family Pholcidae, including Spermophora, are generally associated with dark, humid microhabitats such as caves, cellars, rock crevices, and the undersides of rocks and logs. Specific habitat preferences for individual Spermophora species are not well documented in the provided sources.

Species of Spermophora occur across six major regions: Africa, Europe, Oceania, Asia, the United States, and Brazil. The genus shows a wide but patchy global distribution pattern typical of many Pholcidae genera.

• PholcusBoth are Pholcinae cellar spiders with long legs and small bodies, but Pholcus species are generally larger and more commonly encountered in human dwellings, whereas Spermophora species are smaller and less frequently observed.
• HolocnemusAnother Pholcinae genus with similar body plan, but Holocnemus species tend to have more pronounced abdominal patterning and different eye arrangements that distinguish them from Spermophora.

• arachnid
• spider
• cellar spider
• daddy long-legs spider

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• Catalogue of Life