Discover the fascinating world of the Pholcus genus, which is part of the Pholcidae family. With a whopping 321 spiders recorded by the World Spider Catalog in May 2016, there’s so much to know about these intriguing creatures.
Size: They measure 0.23 – 0.39 inches (0.58 – 0.99 cm) on average, with males being smaller.
Color: Most of them have a brown or tan body with the color varying from one species to another. One of the significant species of this genus, the long-bodied cellar spider has a yellowish-brown with a gray patch on its cephalothorax.
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.
Eggs
Female spiders make silken sacs containing about 30 eggs, which hatch in four weeks. The number depends on the species of spiders as some spiders can make up to 3 pouches in their lifetime.
Spiderlings
After hatching, the spiderlings stay with their mother during the first week and then drift apart gradually. They go through about 5 or 6 molts and then mature into adults. Sibling cannibalism is common in them.
The Web
Their webs are generally loosely spun and flat, while some make irregularly shaped ones.
Are Pholcus Spiders Venomous?
Yes, Pholcus spiders have venom, which they use primarily to subdue their prey.
Can Pholcus Spiders Bite?
Pholcus spiders can bite, but their bite is typically harmless to humans and causes little to no discomfort.
Ecological Importance and Behavior of Pholcus Spider
The Pholcus spider plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They are predominantly insectivorous, preying on a variety of insects and even other spiders, including house spiders, redbacks, and huntsman spiders. Their presence helps control the population of these species, contributing to a stable ecosystem. Pholcus spiders exhibit a unique defensive behavior when threatened, gyrating rapidly in their webs to create a blur and deter predators.
Natural Predator and Prey-Predator Dynamics: Despite being predators themselves, Pholcus spiders are not without threats. Larger insects and other spiders can pose a danger, especially to the younger, more vulnerable spiderlings. Their intricate web serves as their first line of defense, helping to capture prey and providing a platform for their dizzying defensive dance.
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 bite poses no significant threat to humans, making them harmless housemates.
Quick Facts
Distribution
China, Taiwan, Laos, Philippines, Ethiopia, Canary Islands, Vietnam, Korea, Sumatra, Thailand, Japan, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Congo, Tanzania, and Iran
Habitat
Damp places, garages, basements, barns, and sheds
Diet
Insects and other spiders like house spiders, redback, and huntsman spiders
Web Type
Non-sticky webs
Lifespan
Around 3 years
Did You Know
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.
French scientist and civil servant Baron Charles Athanase Walckenaer described this genus in 1805.
In conclusion, Pholcus spiders, with their extensive distribution, unique physical characteristics, and ecological significance, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of arachnids.
The Pholcus genus is significantly diverse, containing 321 recognized species as of May 2016 according to the World Spider Catalog. This large number reflects its widespread distribution and adaptation to various environments globally. The genus is a major component of the larger Pholcidae family of spiders.
Pholcus spiders are primarily identified by their extremely long, thin legs and a small, elongated or peanut-shaped body. They are typically gray or light brown with delicate features. Their webs are distinctively messy and irregular, lacking the geometric patterns seen in webs of other common spider families.
Pholcus spiders shake their webs vigorously as a defensive behavior when they feel threatened. This rapid vibrating or whirling motion makes the spider’s body appear blurry and difficult for a predator to target. It is an effective tactic to confuse potential threats and create an opportunity to escape.
Pholcus spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. While they possess venom to subdue insect prey, their fangs are typically too small and weak to effectively pierce human skin. Confirmed bites are exceptionally rare, and their venom is not medically significant to people or common household pets.
Pholcus spiders prey on a wide variety of arthropods, including insects like mosquitoes, flies, and gnats, as well as other spiders. They are known for being effective predators of other spider species, sometimes including those that are larger or more venomous than themselves, such as hobo spiders.
Pholcus spiders are commonly found in undisturbed, dark, and humid areas of a house. They prefer to build their tangled webs in the upper corners of rooms, basements, cellars, garages, and closets. Their presence is often an indicator of a stable, available food source of other small insects.
The typical lifespan of a Pholcus spider is approximately one to two years, though some individuals may live longer under ideal conditions. Their longevity is influenced by factors such as food availability, environmental temperature, and the presence of predators. They can reproduce several times throughout their adult life.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on September 9, 2019.
Spider Team
