long body vs short bodied cellar spiders

Long-Bodied vs Short-Bodied Cellar Spiders: Debunking Common Myths

Cellar spiders have a reputation for being the most venomous spiders in the world, but this myth has been thoroughly debunked. The claim likely originated from their ability to kill venomous spiders like black widows and brown recluses. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that long-bodied cellar spiders are capable of biting humans.

In reality, these spiders are incredibly useful to have around your home. They can help eliminate most pests without causing any harm to people. Long-bodied cellar spiders have nothing in common with nursery web spiders, which are poisonous and larger than their long-bodied counterparts.

When food is scarce, cellar spiders have been known to cannibalize each other, demonstrating the importance of having a diverse range of insects and small pests in your home. It's essential to note that Daddy-Long-Legs refers to two distinct types of arachnids: harvestmen and spiders. While both are not venomous, they have different characteristics.

Despite being harmless to humans, an urban myth persists that cellar spider venom is among the deadliest on the planet. This myth has been thoroughly disproven by scientific evidence. Cellar spiders are not medically important because they do not bite people. Their behavior of bouncing on their webs can disorientate predators and make them harder to see.

The Long-bodied Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides) is often referred to as a Daddy-Long-Legs due to its distinctive appearance. This spider has a rounded bottom with a tapered waist and feeds on small moths, flies, mosquitoes, and other insects and small pests.

Cellar spiders prefer dark environments with high humidity, such as basements, crawlspaces, closets, attics, rock piles, and other areas that offer plenty of hiding spots. They live primarily in these spaces, which is how they earned their name. On average, cellar spiders can live for around two years, during which time they build their nests close to each other, creating web communities.

Constructing loose and irregularly shaped webs, cellar spiders hang upside down as they wait for prey. Both long-bodied and short-bodied variants have medium-sized eyes, bodies up to 8 mm long, and a colour that ranges from grey to light brown or pale yellow. Long-bodied cellar spiders have a 2-inch leg span while the short-bodied variant has a 1/2-inch leg span.

In Canada, there are two main species of cellar spiders: long-bodied and short-bodied. Cellar spiders and harvestmen are often confused due to the term 'daddy longlegs' being used for both. By understanding the differences between these spiders, you can better appreciate their importance in maintaining a healthy environment in your home.

In conclusion, while myths may surround cellar spiders, they are harmless and beneficial to have around. With their ability to eliminate pests without causing harm to humans, it's no wonder why they're an essential part of our ecosystem. By educating yourself about these fascinating arachnids, you can better appreciate the important role they play in maintaining a balanced environment.

Long body vs short bodied cellar spiders