“Daddy Long Legs” is a name many people use for long-legged creatures they find in their homes—but did you know there are several actual spider species that go by this name? Most belong to the Pholcidae family, known for their small bodies and very long, thin legs. 

Here, I’ll introduce you to 12 types of Daddy Long Legs spiders, show how to identify them, and share interesting facts about where they live and what makes each one unique.

What Is a Daddy Long Legs Spider?

Daddy Long Legs spiders are small spiders with very long, thin legs. They belong to a group called the Pholcidae family. People often see them in homes, especially in corners, ceilings, or basements.

These spiders build messy webs and usually hang upside down in them. When they feel danger, they shake their webs quickly to scare away threats. Even though they look delicate, they are good hunters and help control insects in the house.

Many people think Daddy Long Legs are dangerous, but that’s just a myth. They have venom to catch their food, but they are harmless to humans. In fact, they are helpful and should not be feared.

Are Daddy Long Legs Spiders Dangerous?

Many people believe that Daddy Long Legs spiders are poisonous, but this is not true. They do have venom, but it is only strong enough to catch small insects. Their fangs are too small to bite humans.

These spiders are very shy and do not want to hurt anyone. If you get close, they usually stay still or shake their web to scare you off. They almost never bite, and even if they did, it would not hurt.

So, there’s no need to be afraid of them. They are harmless and even helpful, as they eat flies, mosquitoes, and other small pests in your home.

1. Pholcus phalangioides (Cellar Spider)

Known as the most common “Daddy Long Legs Spider,” Pholcus phalangioides is frequently found indoors. It builds messy webs in corners and rarely bites. This spider is harmless to people and actually helps control other pests.

Appearance

Pholcus phalangioides has an oval-shaped body and extremely long, thin legs that make it easy to recognize. Its body is usually pale brown or gray and measures about 7–10 mm, but its legs can stretch up to 5–6 cm.

Identification

• Builds irregular, tangled webs
  
• Hangs upside down in its web
  
• Vibrates rapidly when disturbed
  
• Found in basements, ceilings, and under shelves
  
• Often seen near lights where insects gather
  

Habitat

This spider prefers quiet, sheltered indoor environments. It’s most commonly found in corners of ceilings, behind furniture, under sinks, or in storage areas like attics and basements. Cellar spiders are drawn to warm, dry areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed. They often stay in one location for long periods and rebuild their webs if damaged. In homes with high insect activity, they may become long-term residents because they feed on small pests like flies, moths, and even other spiders. Unlike many other spiders, they don’t mind living near humans and are often unnoticed unless disturbed.

Interesting Facts

• It’s often mistaken for a dangerous spider, but it’s harmless
  
• Eats small insects and even other spiders
  
• Originally from Europe but now spread worldwide as a house spider

2. Holocnemus pluchei (Marbled Cellar Spider)

Holocnemus pluchei is also called the marbled cellar spider due to its distinctive body markings. It looks very similar to Pholcus phalangioides but has a more patterned appearance. These spiders are common in homes, garages, and sheds.

Appearance

This species has a long-legged appearance with a rounded, slightly flattened body. The body color is usually light gray or tan with marbled brown or black markings. The legs are long and delicate, making it easy to confuse with other cellar spiders.

Identification

• Has marbled patterns on the abdomen
  
• Builds messy, irregular webs
  
• Often seen in corners and ceiling edges
  
• Hangs upside down like other Pholcidae
  
• Moves with a slight wobble when disturbed
  

Habitat

Holocnemus pluchei thrives in man-made environments. It’s commonly found in warm, dry areas such as garages, attics, sheds, warehouses, and under eaves. It avoids high-traffic zones and prefers places where its web can stay undisturbed. In warmer climates, it may also be found in outdoor corners or beneath patio furniture. Its ability to survive in both indoor and semi-outdoor environments makes it one of the most adaptable cellar spiders in residential areas.

Interesting Facts

• Originally from the Mediterranean region
  
• Now common in the United States, especially in California
  
• Helps reduce insect pests by catching flies and mosquitoes

3. Smeringopus pallidus (Pale Daddy Long Legs Spider)

Smeringopus pallidus is often called the pale cellar spider. It is smaller than some other Pholcidae species and has a light, almost transparent appearance. It’s common in warmer regions and is frequently found inside homes.

Appearance

This spider has a pale, creamy or yellowish body with long, slender legs. Its body is small and narrow, often barely noticeable unless you spot it in good light. Its legs are usually slightly darker than its body.

Identification

• Pale body with thin, long legs
  
• Very small, lightweight build
  
• Builds small, messy webs in corners
  
• Common in ceiling edges and bathroom corners
  
• Moves quickly when disturbed
  

Habitat

Smeringopus pallidus prefers warm, dry indoor spaces. It’s especially common in tropical or subtropical areas, often hiding in bathrooms, kitchens, closets, and behind picture frames. It prefers places that are shaded and rarely cleaned or disturbed. It can also be found in outdoor sheltered areas, like under eaves and balconies, especially in warmer climates. This species spreads easily and adapts well to homes and buildings.

Interesting Facts

• Native to Africa but now found in many parts of the world
  
• Sometimes cohabits with humans without being noticed
  
• Its pale body helps it blend into light-colored walls
  

4. Crossopriza lyoni (Tailless Cellar Spider)

Often referred to as the tailless daddy long legs, Crossopriza lyoni has a unique body shape and is very common in tropical and subtropical areas. It spreads quickly and is often seen in buildings, especially in the corners of ceilings and windows.

Appearance

This spider has a slightly flattened body with long, smooth legs. Its coloring ranges from light brown to gray, and its body often looks smaller compared to the length of its legs. Unlike some cellar spiders, it lacks markings on its abdomen.

Identification

• Uniformly colored body
  
• Legs are extremely long and thin
  
• Often rests flat against ceilings or corners
  
• Webs are irregular and sticky
  
• Frequently seen in warm climates
  

Habitat

Crossopriza lyoni favors indoor habitats such as homes, sheds, and garages. It builds its webs in high corners, behind curtains, or in ceiling crevices. Unlike many spiders, it doesn’t mind slightly disturbed areas and is often seen in places people regularly use. Outdoors, it may nest in dry, protected spaces like under roof edges or in electrical boxes. Its ability to reproduce quickly helps it establish itself fast in new environments.

Interesting Facts

• Originated in the Middle East, now found worldwide
  
• Can survive in both urban and semi-natural spaces
  
• Uses its long legs to sense vibrations from prey

5. Psilochorus simoni (Closet Cellar Spider)

Psilochorus simoni is a small, long-legged spider often found in dark indoor spaces like closets or under shelves. It’s part of the Pholcidae family and is sometimes mistaken for juvenile cellar spiders due to its size.

Appearance

This spider has a small, rounded body with very thin, long legs. Its body is typically light brown or tan, sometimes with faint dark markings. Compared to other cellar spiders, it has a slightly shorter leg span but maintains the same delicate look.

Identification

• Slender legs and small body
  
• Found in narrow, dark places
  
• Web is sparse and not very sticky
  
• Often spotted in closets or under cabinets
  
• Vibrates slightly when disturbed
  

Habitat

Psilochorus simoni prefers enclosed indoor environments with low light and minimal disturbance. It commonly builds its web in closets, storage boxes, behind furniture, or under shelves. It favors dry conditions and often stays hidden during the day. Though it’s not as widespread as other Pholcidae, it’s commonly seen in homes and office buildings.

Interesting Facts

• Originally native to the Americas
  
• Can adapt to human environments easily
  
• Rarely noticed unless cleaning or moving stored items
  

6. Metagonia mariguitarensis (Tropical Daddy Long Legs Spider)

Metagonia mariguitarensis is a tropical cellar spider known for its thin body and long legs. It is mostly found in Central and South America and prefers natural settings like caves and forests, although it sometimes enters homes.

Appearance

This spider has a narrow, elongated body and extremely fine legs. Its coloration is usually light brown or yellowish. Unlike other cellar spiders, it may appear more fragile and less stocky.

Identification

• Very slender body and legs
  
• Appears more delicate than common cellar spiders
  
• Webs are thin and scattered
  
• Found in moist, shaded locations
  
• Moves away quickly if touched
  

Habitat

Metagonia mariguitarensis typically lives in tropical forests, under logs, stones, and in humid caves. It sometimes ventures into homes near jungle or rural areas, especially where moisture is high. Indoors, it stays near damp corners or poorly ventilated rooms. It is not as commonly seen as other Pholcidae species but is important in tropical ecosystems for insect control.

Interesting Facts

• Native to Venezuela and nearby tropical regions
  
• Prefers natural environments but adapts when needed
  
• Part of a larger group of tropical cellar spiders in the Metagonia genus

7. Pholcus manueli (Asian Cellar Spider)

Pholcus manueli is a common cellar spider native to Asia but now found in many parts of the world. It closely resembles Pholcus phalangioides but may have subtle differences in markings and size.

Appearance

This spider has a small, oval body and very long, fine legs. Its body color ranges from light gray to yellowish brown, sometimes with subtle dark patches on the abdomen. It looks nearly identical to other Pholcus spiders but may appear slightly smaller.

Identification

• Long, thread-like legs
  
• Builds loose, irregular webs
  
• Hangs upside down in web
  
• Often seen in corners of ceilings or under furniture
  
• Shakes web quickly when disturbed
  

Habitat

Pholcus manueli thrives in dark, quiet places inside homes and buildings. It is often found in stairwells, storage rooms, bathrooms, or ceiling corners. In some climates, it can also survive outdoors in protected areas. It adapts well to urban life, and its presence is often overlooked due to its quiet behavior and preference for hidden spots.

Interesting Facts

• Native to East Asia, especially China and Korea
  
• Now common in Russia and North America
  
• Helps control fly and mosquito populations indoors
  

8. Pholcus opilionoides (Eastern Daddy Long Legs Spider)

Pholcus opilionoides is a long-legged spider named for its resemblance to harvestmen (Opiliones), though it is a true spider. It is less common than other Pholcus species but can still be found in Europe and Asia.

Appearance

This species has a rounded abdomen and very long, slender legs. Its body is usually gray or light brown, often with faint lines or spots. It looks similar to other cellar spiders but is usually smaller and slimmer.

Identification

• Long legs and small round body
  
• Webs are delicate and unorganized
  
• Found in cellars, basements, or under decks
  
• Sometimes confused with harvestmen due to its name
  
• Moves in a slow, cautious manner
  

Habitat

Pholcus opilionoides prefers damp, dark places such as basements, barns, and old buildings. It’s also found in rural outdoor settings like under woodpiles or inside sheds. Though not as widespread as other cellar spiders, it plays a role in controlling insects in human structures and natural areas.

Interesting Facts

• Native to parts of Europe and Central Asia
  
• Name means “looks like a harvestman”
  
• Builds its web close to the ground or in tight corners

9. Pholcus ancoralis (Pacific Cellar Spider)

Pholcus ancoralis is a lesser-known cellar spider found mainly in the Pacific Islands and parts of Southeast Asia. It shares many traits with other Pholcus spiders but prefers tropical and coastal habitats.

Appearance

This spider has an elongated body with long, fine legs. Its color ranges from light tan to pale brown. Some individuals may show subtle darker markings or faint spots on the abdomen.

Identification

• Very thin legs, longer than the body
  
• Webs are messy and spread across corners
  
• Hangs upside down and rarely moves unless disturbed
  
• Found in indoor and semi-outdoor settings
  
• Reacts to disturbance by vibrating in place
  

Habitat

Pholcus ancoralis is usually found in tropical and humid environments. It prefers shaded areas like under roofs, in storage buildings, or beneath outdoor overhangs. In homes, it hides behind furniture or ceiling corners, especially in places with steady warmth and moisture. Unlike some cellar spiders, it’s more likely to be found near doorways or semi-open spaces where it can catch flying insects.

Interesting Facts

• Common in islands across the Pacific region
  
• Can live both indoors and in semi-wild spaces
  
• Effective at reducing mosquitoes and other pests
  

10. Pholcus nagasakiensis (Japanese Cellar Spider)

Pholcus nagasakiensis is a long-legged spider native to Japan and nearby regions. It’s one of the more recognizable cellar spiders in Japanese homes, often seen in traditional buildings and rural houses.

Appearance

This spider has a slim, oval-shaped body with extremely long legs. Its body is light gray or beige, with faint linear markings running down the top of the abdomen. It has a graceful, fragile look similar to other Pholcus spiders.

Identification

• Light body with thin, dark legs
  
• Builds disorganized, sticky webs
  
• Common in house corners and wooden beams
  
• Easily startled and quick to retreat
  
• Usually active in quiet, shaded areas
  

Habitat

Pholcus nagasakiensis prefers indoor environments, especially older wooden houses, temples, or barns. It often weaves its webs along beams, behind hanging objects, or above doorways. It avoids direct sunlight and chooses calm areas with little foot traffic. In rural parts of Japan, it’s a familiar sight during warm months and is generally welcomed for its role in controlling insects.

Interesting Facts

• Named after the city of Nagasaki
  
• Has cultural significance in some rural Japanese areas
  
• Rarely leaves its web unless hunting or disturbed

11. Pholcus bicornutus (Horned Daddy Long Legs Spider)

Pholcus bicornutus is named for the small horn-like projections found on the male spider’s cephalothorax. This feature makes it stand out from other cellar spiders, although it still shares the long legs and thin body of the Pholcidae family.

Appearance

This spider has a small, slender body and extremely long legs. Males have a distinct pair of tiny “horns” or protrusions on the head area. The body color is pale yellow or grayish-white, and legs are fine and hair-thin.

Identification

• Males have horn-like projections on the head
  
• Very long, thin legs compared to body size
  
• Webs are scattered and messy
  
• Often found in undisturbed ceiling corners
  
• Uses rapid shaking behavior when threatened
  

Habitat

Pholcus bicornutus is found in tropical and subtropical environments, usually inside buildings or shaded outdoor areas like porches or garages. It prefers dark corners, ceilings, and places where it can anchor its web with little disturbance. It is less widespread than other Pholcus species but can thrive in homes with consistent humidity and warmth.

Interesting Facts

• The “horns” are unique among cellar spiders
  
• Plays a role in controlling smaller spiders and flying insects
  
• Males and females often stay near each other in overlapping webs
  

12. Pholcus fragillimus (Fragile Daddy Long Legs Spider)

Pholcus fragillimus is one of the most delicate-looking cellar spiders, with extremely fine legs and a translucent body. True to its name, it appears fragile and moves cautiously. It is more common in parts of Asia and tropical regions.

Appearance

This spider has an almost glass-like appearance with a translucent pale gray or cream body. Its legs are so thin they can appear invisible under poor lighting. The body is long and narrow, slightly more stretched than other Pholcus species.

Identification

• Translucent body with ultra-thin legs
  
• Webs are very sparse and delicate
  
• Hangs quietly in shadowed corners
  
• Moves slowly and cautiously
  
• Hard to see without light due to pale coloring
  

Habitat

Pholcus fragillimus favors calm, indoor spaces with minimal airflow or vibration. It often nests in attic corners, behind wall fixtures, or under unused furniture. In humid climates, it may also be found outdoors under shaded eaves. Due to its fragile build, it avoids active areas and builds webs in quiet, steady environments.

Interesting Facts

• One of the most delicate Pholcus species
  
• Sometimes used in studies on spider movement and web structure
  
• Very efficient at catching small flying insects in silent areas

Summary

Daddy Long Legs spiders are harmless, long-legged spiders often found in homes. This article introduced 12 different types, explained how to identify them, and shared where they live. Most of these spiders belong to the Pholcidae family and help control pests like flies and mosquitoes. Though many people fear them, they are not dangerous and actually play a helpful role in keeping your home insect-free.