long bodied cellar spider pholcus phalangioides

The average length of an adult female's legs is roughly 50 mm. On average, their legs are roughly 5 to 6 times as long as the spider's body. As indicated by their common name, 'daddy long-legs', these spiders boast eight very long and thin legs which are covered in thin, grey bristles. The average female ranges from 7 to 8 mm in length. Males tend to be around 6 to 10 mm in length with the average male being around 6 mm. The body length of this species varies between males and females. Pholcus phalangioides are sexually dimorphic, where females are slightly larger than the males of the species. Description The eye arrangement of spiders in the genus Pholcus On the other hand, this genetic drift results in significant interpopulation differentiation. phalangioides individuals of the same population that live in the same geographical region will have a very low degree of genetic variation (intrapopulation differentiation). Although some gene flow does exist between populations, its importance has been insignificant when compared to that of geographical isolation-driven genetic drift. This small size combined with low mobility of populations results in an increased importance placed on the role of genetic drift, more specifically the founder effect, on population structure. phalangioides, though populations tend to be relatively small, widely dispersed, and greatly isolated from one another. The large number of buildings in the world has favoured P. phalangioides are influenced greatly by the presence of human-made buildings since these spiders prefer warmer habitats indoors. This is not to be confused with organisms with similar physical appearances, such as the crane fly - an insect - and harvestmen of the arachnid order Opiliones. All of these spiders are known for their characteristic long legs, which can range from 5 to 6 times the size of their bodies.

phalangioides shares ancestry with roughly 1,340 similar cellar-spiders such as the granddaddy long-legs spider, carpenter spider, and vibrating spider. A member of the genus Pholcus in the family Pholcidae, P. Pholcus phalangioides was first described in 1775 by the Swiss entomologist Johann Kaspar Füssli. Pholcus phalangioides is known to be harmless to humans and a potential for the medicinal use of their silk has been reported. This spider species is considered beneficial in parts of the world because it preys on other spiders, including species considered dangerous such as redback spiders. Pholcus phalangioides has a habit of living on the ceilings of rooms, caves, garages or cellars. The length of the spider's legs are on average 5 or 6 times the length of its body. Contentsįemales have a body length of about 8 mm while males tend to be slightly smaller. Its common name of 'daddy long-legs' should not be confused with a different arachnid group with the same common name, the harvestman (Opiliones), or the crane flies of the superfamily Tipuloidea. This is the only spider species described by the Swiss entomologist Johann Kaspar Füssli, who first recorded it in 1775. It is also known as the skull spider, since its cephalothorax is said to resemble a human skull. 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.Pholcus phalangioides, commonly known as daddy long-legs spider or long-bodied cellar spider, is a spider of the family Pholcidae. Woodlice, mosquitoes, and other spiders like the redback Quick Facts Other NamesĬaves, cellars, garages, and warehouses, and basements

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.

This dynamic ensures a balanced ecosystem, preventing any single species from becoming overly dominant. 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. Larger spider species pose a significant threat, showcasing the delicate balance within their ecosystem. Natural Predators: Despite their beneficial role, these spiders are not without predators. Their webs help in trapping a variety of pests, aiding in pest control. The long-bodied cellar spider plays a significant role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the ecological balance within their habitats. Ecological Importance and Behavior of Long Bodied Cellar Spider

Long bodied cellar spider pholcus phalangioides