long bodied cellar spider pholcus phalangioides

Long bodied cellar spider pholcus phalangioides Patch#

phalangioides shares ancestry with roughly 1,340 similar cellar-spiders such as the granddaddy long-legs spider, carpenter spider, and vibrating spider. A member of the genus Pholcus in the family Pholcidae, P. Pholcus phalangioides was first described in 1775 by the Swiss entomologist Johann Kaspar Füssli. Pholcus phalangioides is known to be harmless to humans and a potential for the medicinal use of their silk has been reported. This spider species is considered beneficial in parts of the world because it preys on other spiders, including species considered dangerous such as redback spiders. Pholcus phalangioides has a habit of living on the ceilings of rooms, caves, garages or cellars. The length of the spider's legs are on average 5 or 6 times the length of its body. Contentsįemales have a body length of about 8 mm while males tend to be slightly smaller.

Its common name of 'daddy long-legs' should not be confused with a different arachnid group with the same common name, the harvestman (Opiliones), or the crane flies of the superfamily Tipuloidea. This is the only spider species described by the Swiss entomologist Johann Kaspar Füssli, who first recorded it in 1775. It is also known as the skull spider, since its cephalothorax is said to resemble a human skull. In conclusion, Pholcus spiders, with their extensive distribution, unique physical characteristics, and ecological significance, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of arachnids.Pholcus phalangioides, commonly known as daddy long-legs spider or long-bodied cellar spider, is a spider of the family Pholcidae. 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.

Long bodied cellar spider pholcus phalangioides Patch#

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).