Pholcidinae

Pholcidinae is a subfamily of pholcid spiders, commonly known as cellar spiders or daddy long-legs spiders. This subfamily is characterized by its long, slender legs and a small, often globular body. Pholcidinae spiders are found worldwide, inhabiting a variety of environments, though they are most frequently encountered in human dwellings, particularly in cellars, basements, attics, and other dark, undisturbed areas.

These spiders are known for their distinctive webs, which are irregularly spun and often built in corners or on ceilings. The webs are not sticky in the same way as those of many other spider families. Instead, Pholcidinae spiders rely on the vibration of their webs to detect prey. When an insect or other small arthropod becomes entangled, the spider rushes out to subdue it. Their diet primarily consists of insects, but they are also known to scavenge on dead insects and even prey on other spiders, including those from more venomous families.

A notable behavior of Pholcidinae spiders is their defensive mechanism. When disturbed, they will often rapidly vibrate their bodies and legs within their webs, creating a blurry, disorienting effect that can deter potential predators. Despite their common names, Pholcidinae spiders are not venomous to humans. Their fangs are too small to effectively penetrate human skin, and even if they could, their venom is considered harmless to people. They are generally considered beneficial inhabitants of homes due to their ability to consume common household pests.