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Long Bodied Cellar (Pholcus phalangioides)

The long-bodied cellar spiders are quite interesting! Often seen in America’s dark and damp spots, they have really long legs. This is why some folks call them daddy-long-legs. But guess what? Other cellar spiders share this nickname too.

Scientific Classification

Long Bodied Cellar

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females are approximately 0.35 inches (9 mm) with 2.7 inches (7cm) leg span, while males are comparatively smaller, around 0.23 inches (6 mm).
  • Color: They have a yellowish-brown body with a big, gray patch at the middle of their cephalothorax. Their body and legs are translucent with grey hairs all over.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They have a cylindrical abdomen, and a round, peanut-shaped cephalothorax.
Long Bodied Cellar Spider Size

Eggs

Females produce three egg sacs in their lifetime with each containing 13-60 eggs. They carry the sacs in their pedipalps located at the front, near the mouth.

Long Bodied Cellar Spider Egg

Spiderlings

Spiderlings have transparent bodies and short legs. As they grow, their skin changes 4-5 times.

Long Bodied Cellar Spiderling

The Web

Long-bodied cellars create loose webs, arranged horizontally in an irregular manner. They don’t eat or ruin their webs but rather keep on adding new layers to the previous ones.

Long Bodied Cellar Spider Web

Are Long Bodied Cellar Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Long Bodied Cellar spiders have venom. However, it’s weak and not harmful to humans. They use it mainly to catch tiny bugs for food.

Can Long Bodied Cellar Spiders Bite?

They can bite, but it’s rare. If they do, it might feel a tiny pinch, but it’s not something that causes big problems.

Long Bodied Cellar Spider

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Long Bodied Cellar Spider

The long-bodied cellar spider plays a significant role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the ecological balance within their habitats. Their webs help in trapping a variety of pests, aiding in pest control. 

Natural Predators: Despite their beneficial role, these spiders are not without predators. Larger spider species pose a significant threat, showcasing the delicate balance within their ecosystem.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Long-bodied cellar spiders are a vital part of the food web, acting as both predators to smaller insects and prey to larger spiders. This dynamic ensures a balanced ecosystem, preventing any single species from becoming overly dominant.

Relationship with Humans: While they may appear intimidating due to their long legs, long-bodied cellar spiders are harmless to humans and can actually be quite beneficial, especially in reducing insect populations in and around homes.

Quick Facts

Other NamesDaddy long-legs spider, Skull spider
DistributionAsia, Europe, Africa, South America
HabitatCaves, cellars, garages, and warehouses, and  basements
Web TypeLarge, irregular
DietWoodlice, mosquitoes, and other spiders like the redback
LifespanAround 2 years
PredatorsOther bigger spiders
IUCN Conservation StatusNot listed
Long Bodied Cellar Spider Picture

Did You Know

  • The species was described in 1775 by Johann Kaspar Füssli, the famous Swiss entomologist.
  • Since their cephalothorax resembles a human skull, they are alternately known as the skull spider.

In summary, the long-bodied cellar spider is a captivating species, showcasing a unique physical appearance and playing an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.

The long-bodied cellar spiders are quite interesting! Often seen in America’s dark and damp spots, they have really long legs. This is why some folks call them daddy-long-legs. But guess what? Other cellar spiders share this nickname too.

Long Bodied Cellar

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females are approximately 0.35 inches (9 mm) with 2.7 inches (7cm) leg span, while males are comparatively smaller, around 0.23 inches (6 mm).
  • Color: They have a yellowish-brown body with a big, gray patch at the middle of their cephalothorax. Their body and legs are translucent with grey hairs all over.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They have a cylindrical abdomen, and a round, peanut-shaped cephalothorax.
Long Bodied Cellar Spider Size

Eggs

Females produce three egg sacs in their lifetime with each containing 13-60 eggs. They carry the sacs in their pedipalps located at the front, near the mouth.

Long Bodied Cellar Spider Egg

Spiderlings

Spiderlings have transparent bodies and short legs. As they grow, their skin changes 4-5 times.

Long Bodied Cellar Spiderling

The Web

Long-bodied cellars create loose webs, arranged horizontally in an irregular manner. They don’t eat or ruin their webs but rather keep on adding new layers to the previous ones.

Long Bodied Cellar Spider Web

Are Long Bodied Cellar Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Long Bodied Cellar spiders have venom. However, it’s weak and not harmful to humans. They use it mainly to catch tiny bugs for food.

Can Long Bodied Cellar Spiders Bite?

They can bite, but it’s rare. If they do, it might feel a tiny pinch, but it’s not something that causes big problems.

Long Bodied Cellar Spider

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Long Bodied Cellar Spider

The long-bodied cellar spider plays a significant role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the ecological balance within their habitats. Their webs help in trapping a variety of pests, aiding in pest control. 

Natural Predators: Despite their beneficial role, these spiders are not without predators. Larger spider species pose a significant threat, showcasing the delicate balance within their ecosystem.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Long-bodied cellar spiders are a vital part of the food web, acting as both predators to smaller insects and prey to larger spiders. This dynamic ensures a balanced ecosystem, preventing any single species from becoming overly dominant.

Relationship with Humans: While they may appear intimidating due to their long legs, long-bodied cellar spiders are harmless to humans and can actually be quite beneficial, especially in reducing insect populations in and around homes.

Quick Facts

Other NamesDaddy long-legs spider, Skull spider
DistributionAsia, Europe, Africa, South America
HabitatCaves, cellars, garages, and warehouses, and  basements
Web TypeLarge, irregular
DietWoodlice, mosquitoes, and other spiders like the redback
LifespanAround 2 years
PredatorsOther bigger spiders
IUCN Conservation StatusNot listed
Long Bodied Cellar Spider Picture

Did You Know

  • The species was described in 1775 by Johann Kaspar Füssli, the famous Swiss entomologist.
  • Since their cephalothorax resembles a human skull, they are alternately known as the skull spider.

In summary, the long-bodied cellar spider is a captivating species, showcasing a unique physical appearance and playing an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.