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Pholcus phalangioides, commonly known as the cosmopolitan cellar spider, long-bodied cellar spider or one of various types called a daddy long-legs spider, is a spider of the family Pholcidae. It is also known as the skull spider, since its cephalothorax is said to resemble a human skull.
In studies done by Gabriele Uhl at the University of Bonn, male P. phalangioides seemed to be attracted to and to mate with larger females more often than smaller females. This may increase reproductive success for males, because large females produce more eggs than smaller females.
In the wild, Pholcus live in environments such as caves, under rocks, forest shrubs and deep limestone cracks. Synanthropic species such as P. phalangioides live in and around buildings and other disturbed habitats.
Feb 2, 2023 · Pholcidae—Cellar or Daddylong-legs Spiders. (Pholcus phalangioides) The longbodied cellar spider is the most common of the Pholcidae in the United States. It has extremely long legs and is found in many types of buildings throughout the year.
Nov 17, 2023 · Scientific name: Pholcus phalangioides. 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.
Scientific name: Pholcus phalangioides. You've probably spotted this long-legged spider hiding in the corner of a house or building. Species information. Category. Spiders. Statistics. Body length: 7-10mm. Conservation status. Common. When to see. All year round. About.
Pholcus phalangioides. Image credit: shutterstock. It was once widely thought that the venom of this spider is the most toxic of all spiders. But that, it’s now known, is certainly not true.
The species is widespread in England and Wales, and although it is absent from much of northern Britain, there are records as far north as Shetland. It is widespread in western and central Europe as far north as Sweden, where it is included in their Red List (Gardenfors 2000). Habitat and ecology.
Pholcus phalangioides by Martin Atkins. High up where the ceiling meets the wall, fine tangles of web are often the bane of the householder. Suspended upside down in these fine silken strands is a long-legged spider, Pholcus phalangioides, the Daddy Long-legs Spider.
Daddy-long-legs spiders are easily recognised by their extremely long, skinny legs and small body. Pholcus phalangioides has a brown patch on its pale carapace and a cream to pale brown, lightly patterned abdomen.