Daddy long legs spider - Pholcus phalangioides
Overall size: up to 45mm
Season: all year round
A large spider, but with a very small greyish body and long thin legs. They prefer the warm and constant temperatures of our homes, garages and sheds, and are rarely found outdoors as they cannot survive winter temperatures.
Webs are untidy without great design, often made in ceiling corners. If disturbed they vibrate in their webs, which is probably a way to frighten predators. They feed on any insects found in homes and will also take other spiders, including surprisingly large house spiders (Tegenaria species).
This species is not native to the UK, and may have been introduced through trade. It has become more widely distributed over the last 30 years.
Get help identifying your spiders
You can email a photo to the Musuem's Identification and Advisory Service: bug@nhm.ac.uk
Please tell us as much about your specimen as possible, including a detailed description, where and when you saw it, and its approximate size.
Spiders in your home
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