Knowra Pholcus phalangioides Pholcus phalangioides Pholcus phalangioides is a long-legged cellar spider in the family Pholcidae, commonly found in buildings across much of the world. It builds loose, irregular webs and vibrates rapidly when disturbed.
Spider silk : A protein fiber produced by spiders for webs, egg sacs, draglines, and other uses. Its silk forms the loose webs where this spider captures prey.
Pholcidae : A family of spiders commonly called cellar spiders, usually characterized by small bodies and long legs. Pholcus phalangioides is one member of this diverse family.
Synanthrope : An organism that lives near humans and benefits from human-created environments. This spider commonly occupies buildings and other sheltered human structures.
Pholcus phalangioides in the United States : Populations of the cellar spider Pholcus phalangioides established in buildings across the United States. Introduced populations illustrate how readily the species occupies human structures.
Spider web : A structure made from spider silk, used by many spiders to capture prey or shelter. This species builds an irregular web rather than a stereotyped orb.
Araneae : The order of arachnids comprising spiders, distinguished by silk-producing spinnerets and fangs. This species belongs to the order that includes all true spiders.
Biological pest control : The use of living organisms to reduce populations of unwanted pests. Its capture of insects and other arthropods can contribute to indoor pest control.
Pholcus manueli : A cellar spider species in the genus Pholcus, native to parts of East Asia. It is another named Pholcus species useful for comparison within the genus.
Web vibration : Mechanical waves transmitted through a spider web by movement or impact. It detects prey and danger through vibrations traveling across its web.
Arachnid : An arthropod with four pairs of legs, including spiders, mites, scorpions, and harvestmen. Its eight-legged body places it among arachnids, not insects.
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