Pholcidea spiders, or daddy long legs, are carnivores, which means they’ll eat insects for their survival. They like corners and darker areas of our houses where they can create, which they will hang from. These are the spiders that we commonly see in our homes because they spend the majority of their lives in houses. Pholcidae spider is the official name of cellar spiders. Cellar Spider – OverviewĬellar spiders are also sometimes called daddy long-leg spiders, which causes some confusion. They share the name with another species called Opiliones, or harvestmen, which are arachnids that are often found in nature. So, cellar spiders are also called daddy longlegs. Opiliones (harvestmen) – which is a type of arachnid that also has long legs, but it’s technically not a spider.Cellar spiders (Pholcidae spiders) – which we’ve discussed above.The term “daddy longlegs” is used for two different species: Always have professionals identify and manage your pest control needs. If you have been bitten, seek professional medical attention immediately. In conclusion, Pholcus spiders, with their extensive distribution, unique physical characteristics, and ecological significance, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of arachnids.Important Note: This is general information for entertainment purposes only. French scientist and civil servant Baron Charles Athanase Walckenaer described this genus in 1805.Some of the species of this genus are known as daddy long legs, but the same name is applicable for spiders of other genera as well, alongside other arthropods like the crane fly and harvestman. ![]() Insects and other spiders like house spiders, redback, and huntsman spiders Quick Facts DistributionĬhina, Taiwan, Laos, Philippines, Ethiopia, Canary Islands, Vietnam, Korea, Sumatra, Thailand, Japan, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Congo, Tanzania, and Iranĭamp places, garages, basements, barns, and sheds Their bite poses no significant threat to humans, making them harmless housemates. Relationship with Humans: Pholcus spiders often find themselves sharing spaces with humans, taking refuge in damp places such as garages, basements, barns, and sheds. Their intricate web serves as their first line of defense, helping to capture prey and providing a platform for their dizzying defensive dance. Larger insects and other spiders can pose a danger, especially to the younger, more vulnerable spiderlings. Natural Predator and Prey-Predator Dynamics: Despite being predators themselves, Pholcus spiders are not without threats. Pholcus spiders exhibit a unique defensive behavior when threatened, gyrating rapidly in their webs to create a blur and deter predators. Their presence helps control the population of these species, contributing to a stable ecosystem. They are predominantly insectivorous, preying on a variety of insects and even other spiders, including house spiders, redbacks, and huntsman spiders. The Pholcus spider plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. ![]() Ecological Importance and Behavior of Pholcus Spider Pholcus spiders can bite, but their bite is typically harmless to humans and causes little to no discomfort. ![]() Yes, Pholcus spiders have venom, which they use primarily to subdue their prey. Their webs are generally loosely spun and flat, while some make irregularly shaped ones. They go through about 5 or 6 molts and then mature into adults. The number depends on the species of spiders as some spiders can make up to 3 pouches in their lifetime.Īfter hatching, the spiderlings stay with their mother during the first week and then drift apart gradually. Other Characteristic Features: Most species, particularly the long-bodied cellar spider has thin, long legs that have earned them the alternate name daddy-long-legs.įemale spiders make silken sacs containing about 30 eggs, which hatch in four weeks.One of the significant species of this genus, the long-bodied cellar spider has a yellowish-brown with a gray patch on its cephalothorax. Color: Most of them have a brown or tan body with the color varying from one species to another.Size: They measure 0.23 – 0.39 inches (0.58 – 0.99 cm) on average, with males being smaller.Physical Description and Identification Adults Long Bodied Cellar ( Pholcus phalangioides).
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