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.
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.
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.
Their webs are generally loosely spun and flat, while some make irregularly shaped ones.
Yes, Pholcus spiders have venom, which they use primarily to subdue their prey.
Pholcus spiders can bite, but their bite is typically harmless to humans and causes little to no discomfort.
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.
| 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 |
In conclusion, Pholcus spiders, with their extensive distribution, unique physical characteristics, and ecological significance, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of arachnids.
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.
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.
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.
Their webs are generally loosely spun and flat, while some make irregularly shaped ones.
Yes, Pholcus spiders have venom, which they use primarily to subdue their prey.
Pholcus spiders can bite, but their bite is typically harmless to humans and causes little to no discomfort.
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.
| 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 |
In conclusion, Pholcus spiders, with their extensive distribution, unique physical characteristics, and ecological significance, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of arachnids.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on September 9, 2019.
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