Species Insects & ArthropodsCellar Spider

Cellar Spider

Pholcus phalangioides

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides)

The Cellar Spider, or daddy longlegs spider, is a cosmopolitan house spider with an extremely small round body and remarkably long, fragile legs. When disturbed it vibrates rapidly in its web, becoming a blur — a startling defense mechanism. Despite the persistent myth, its venom is not particularly potent; its fangs are actually capable of biting humans but effects are minimal.

Habitat
Buildings, cellars, garages, and caves
Diet
Adults: small insects, other spiders, and even black widow spiders
How common
Common

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