Daddy long-legs
Number of species
12
Identification
Daddy-long-legs spiders are easily recognised by their extremely long, skinny
legs and small body. They are cream to pale brown. Some species have darker
markings on their legs and abdomen.
Size range
9 mm
Distribution
The Daddy-long-legs Spider, Pholcus phalangioides, is found
throughout Australia. It is a cosmopolitan species that originates from Europe
and was introduced accidently into Australia.
Habitat
Daddy-long-legs Spiders are found in most urban areas, in particular houses.
They make a thin, tangled web in sheltered positions were they are unlikely to
be disturbed, such as under furniture, behind doors, in the corner of the
ceilings, in sheds, in garages and under decks. Its successful use of these
human-made structures has made it one of the most common spiders in Australia.
If the Daddy-long-legs Spider is disturbed in the web it responds by setting up
a very fast, spinning motion, becoming a blur to anyone watching.
Habitat type
Terrestrial Habitat: peridomestic.
Feeding Habits
arthropod-feeder, carnivorous, insectivorous, predator
12
Identification
Daddy-long-legs spiders are easily recognised by their extremely long, skinny
legs and small body. They are cream to pale brown. Some species have darker
markings on their legs and abdomen.
Size range
9 mm
Distribution
The Daddy-long-legs Spider, Pholcus phalangioides, is found
throughout Australia. It is a cosmopolitan species that originates from Europe
and was introduced accidently into Australia.
Habitat
Daddy-long-legs Spiders are found in most urban areas, in particular houses.
They make a thin, tangled web in sheltered positions were they are unlikely to
be disturbed, such as under furniture, behind doors, in the corner of the
ceilings, in sheds, in garages and under decks. Its successful use of these
human-made structures has made it one of the most common spiders in Australia.
If the Daddy-long-legs Spider is disturbed in the web it responds by setting up
a very fast, spinning motion, becoming a blur to anyone watching.
Habitat type
Terrestrial Habitat: peridomestic.
Feeding Habits
arthropod-feeder, carnivorous, insectivorous, predator