Daddy long-legs

Fact Box Species: Pholcus species (This spider may be Pholcus phalangioides - seen notes below) Family: Pholcidae Body length: female: 5 mm male: about 5 mm (?) Habitat: In a thin, tangled web attached in buildings, under bridges and in hollow logs Toxicity: Probably too small to cause illness

Side view View from above Underneath female Female epigynum

This spider looks very similar to Pholcus phalangioides and may actually be the same species. However, some other Pholcus species are known to be present in Australia and the abdominal markings and epigynum shape are not quite the same as for P. phalangioides. In addition, this adult female was significantly smaller than the adult of P. phalangioides.

A noteworthy characteristic of this spider is its habit of shaking the web violently when disturbed. The female will often be found holding her eggs in her palps.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Any other pholcid with an elongate abdomen.