A century ago, the daddy long-legs spider was a fairly uncommon sight in the living rooms and kitchens of western Europe.
Fast-forward to today, and this spindly legged tropical Asian species is so abundant that it’s probably found in the majority of domestic settings in the region – except, perhaps, those patrolled by the most arachnophobic home owners.
The legs of the daddy long-legs spider, which is also known as the cellar spider, appear impossibly thin and fragile – and its abdomen is on the puny side, too. Yet it can make mincemeat of the much heavier, hairier house spiders that share its indoor habitat.
Using its extremely long limbs, it throws sticky silk over its prey from a safe distance, immobilising its victims.
This species is active all year indoors and, unlike most spiders, is semi-social. The young in particular enjoy company, so you might see several hanging out in the same corner of the ceiling.
Another intriguing behaviour is defensive: if one of the spiders feels in danger, it will spin in circles like a whirling dervish to deter the potential attacker.
Top image: living room. Credit: Getty
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