![]() In conclusion, Pholcus spiders, with their extensive distribution, unique physical characteristics, and ecological significance, offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of arachnids. 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. ![]() Although these spiders carry venom, they are completely harmless to humans. Their long thin spindly legs can be as long as 6 times their body length. These spiders also have some of the longest legs of any spider in relation to their body. Insects and other spiders like house spiders, redback, and huntsman spiders Long-bodied cellar spiders (Pholcus phalangioides) belong to the family Pholcidae. 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.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).
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