Mommy Long Legs Spider: What You Need to Know

If you are a fan of horror games or movies, you may have heard of or seen a creature called a “mommy long legs spider”. This terrifying name may make you wonder if such a spider really exists, and if so, what it looks like, where it lives, and whether it poses any threat to humans. In this article, we will answer all these questions and more about this fascinating arachnid.

What are mommy long legs spiders?

Mommy long legs spiders are a type of spider that belong to the family Pholcidae, also known as cellar spiders or daddy long-legs spiders. They are not to be confused with harvestmen or opiliones, which are another group of arachnids that look similar but have different anatomy and behavior.

The scientific name for mommy long legs spiders is Pholcus phalangioides. They are also sometimes called bamboo spiders or skull spiders because of their appearance. They have very thin and elongated bodies that measure about 9 mm in length, with eight very long and slender legs that can span up to 7 cm. Their color ranges from pale yellow to brown or gray. They have eight eyes arranged in two rows on their small head.

Mommy long legs spiders are web-spinning spiders that build irregular and messy webs in dark and damp places, such as basements, attics, cellars, caves, or under furniture. They use their webs to catch small insects or other arachnids that wander into their territory. They also use their webs as a refuge where they hang upside down most of the time.

Where do mommy long legs spiders live?

Mommy long legs spiders are native to Europe and Asia, but they have have been introduced to many other parts of the world, such as North America, South America, Africa, and Australia. They are very adaptable and can survive in various climates and habitats, as long as they have access to food and shelter.

Mommy long legs spiders prefer to live indoors, especially in human-made structures that provide them with dark and moist corners. They can also be found outdoors in natural environments, such as forests, grasslands, or wetlands. They usually avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Are mommy long legs spiders dangerous?

Do mommy long legs spiders bite?

One of the most common myths about mommy long legs spiders is that they have the most potent venom of all spiders, but their fangs are too small or weak to pierce human skin. This is not true at all. Mommy long legs spiders do have venom glands and fangs, but their venom is not very toxic to humans or animals. Their fangs are also capable of biting, but they are very reluctant to do so.

Mommy long legs spiders are very timid and peaceful creatures that will only bite if they feel threatened or provoked. They will usually try to escape or play dead before resorting to biting. Even if they do bite, the pain is very mild and comparable to a mosquito bite. The bite may cause some redness, swelling, or itching, but it will heal quickly and without complications. There is no need for medical attention unless you have an allergic reaction or a secondary infection.

Do mommy long legs spiders carry diseases?

Another myth about mommy long legs spiders is that they can transmit diseases to humans or animals. This is also not true. Mommy long legs spiders are not vectors of any known pathogens or parasites that can cause illness or harm. They do not feed on blood or carry bacteria or viruses in their saliva. They are very clean and hygienic animals that groom themselves regularly.

Mommy long legs spiders pose no health risk to humans or animals, as long as they are not ingested or inhaled. The only way they can cause harm is if they are accidentally swallowed by a child or a pet, which can lead to choking or suffocation. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to keep mommy long legs spiders away from children and pets, and to dispose of their webs and dead bodies properly.

How to get rid of mommy long legs spiders?

Although mommy long legs spiders are harmless and beneficial to the environment, some people may still want to get rid of them from their homes or gardens because they find them creepy or annoying. There are several ways to control and eliminate mommy long legs spiders, depending on your preference and situation.

One way is to use natural methods that do not involve chemicals or pesticides. These include:

Vacuuming or sweeping the webs and spiders regularly.
Sealing any cracks or gaps in the walls, windows, doors, or floors that may allow the spiders to enter.
Reducing the humidity and moisture in the rooms by using dehumidifiers, fans, or air conditioners.
Removing any clutter or debris that may provide hiding places for the spiders.
Using natural repellents such as peppermint oil, vinegar, citrus peels, or cedar chips around the areas where the spiders are found.

Another way is to use chemical methods that involve pesticides or insecticides. These include:

Spraying or dusting the webs and spiders with products that contain pyrethroids, such as permethrin, cyfluthrin, or deltamethrin.
Applying sticky traps or glue boards around the corners or edges of the rooms where the spiders are found.
Using foggers or bombs that release aerosols that kill the spiders on contact.

However, these methods have some drawbacks and risks. They may not be very effective as mommy long legs spiders can easily escape from them or rebuild their webs. They may also harm other beneficial insects or animals that come into contact with them. They may also pose health hazards to humans or pets if they are inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions and precautions on the labels carefully and wear protective gear when using them.

How to identify mommy long legs spiders?

Mommy long legs spiders are often confused with other arachnids that have similar names or appearances, such as daddy long legs or harvestmen. However, there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart.

Mommy Long Legs Spiders	Daddy Long Legs</ or Harvestmen
They are true spiders that belong to the order Araneae.	They are not spiders but a different order of arachnids called Opiliones.
They have eight eyes arranged in two rows on their head.	They have two eyes located on a single bump on their head.
They have venom glands and fangs, but their venom is mild and their bite is rare.	They do not have venom glands or fangs, and they cannot bite at all.
They have two body segments: a cephalothorax and an abdomen.	They have one fused body segment that looks like an oval.
They spin webs to catch prey or hide from predators.	They do not spin webs, but they may use silk to make nests or lay eggs.
They feed on insects or other arachnids, and they use their long legs to wrap around their prey.	They feed on plant matter, fungi, or dead animals, and they use their mouthparts to chew their food.

By looking at these features, you can easily identify mommy long legs spiders and distinguish them from daddy long legs or harvestmen.

What do mommy long legs spiders eat?

Mommy long legs spiders are carnivorous animals that feed on a variety of insects or other arachnids, such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, ants, beetles, cockroaches, silverfish, earwigs, spiders, mites, or scorpions. They are opportunistic hunters that will eat whatever they can catch in their webs or find in their surroundings.

Mommy long legs spiders use their long legs to wrap around their prey and immobilize them. They then inject their venom through their fangs to paralyze and kill them. They then suck out the liquid contents of their prey’s body using their mouthparts. They do not eat the solid parts of their prey, but they may store them in their webs for later consumption or disposal.

Mommy long legs spiders do not need to eat very often, as they have a slow metabolism and can survive for long periods without food. They may eat once a week or once a month, depending on the availability of prey and the environmental conditions. They may also cannibalize each other if food is scarce or if they are overcrowded.

How do mommy long legs spiders reproduce?

Mommy long legs spiders are sexually dimorphic animals, which means that males and females have different physical characteristics. Males are smaller than females, and they have longer and thicker pedipalps (the appendages near the mouth) that they use to transfer sperm to the females. Females have larger abdomens that can store eggs and sperm for a long time.

Mommy long legs spiders mate during the spring or summer months, when the temperature and humidity are favorable. They use chemical signals called pheromones to attract and locate potential partners. Males will approach females cautiously and gently touch them with their legs to signal their intentions. If the female is receptive, she will allow the male to climb on her back and insert his pedipalps into her genital opening. The mating process can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

After mating, the female will store the sperm in her abdomen until she is ready to lay eggs. She will then spin a silk cocoon and deposit up to 200 eggs inside it. She will attach the cocoon to her web or a nearby surface and guard it until the eggs hatch. The incubation period can vary from two weeks to two months, depending on the temperature and humidity.

The baby spiders, called spiderlings, will emerge from the cocoon as miniature versions of their parents. They will stay with their mother for a few days until they molt for the first time. Then they will disperse and find their own webs or habitats. Mommy long legs spiders reach sexual maturity in about a year, and they can live for up to three years in captivity.

Fun facts about mommy long legs spiders

Mommy long legs spiders are not only fascinating animals but also have some amazing facts that you may not know. Here are some of them:

Mommy long legs spiders are one of the smallest spider species in the world, with an average body length of 9 mm (0.35 inches).
Mommy long legs spiders are one of the fastest spider species in the world, with an average speed of 1.73 km/h (1.08 mph), which is equivalent to a human running at 960 km/h (600 mph).
Mommy long legs spiders are one of the longest-lived spider species in the world, with a lifespan of up to three years in captivity, compared to the average spider lifespan of one year.
Mommy long legs spiders are one of the most social spider species in the world, as they can live in large colonies of up to 200 individuals, sharing webs and food resources.
Mommy long legs spiders are one of the most fearless spider species in the world, as they can prey on or defend themselves from much larger and more venomous spiders, such as black widows, brown recluses, or hobo spiders.
Mommy long legs spiders are one of the most popular spider species in the world, as they have inspired many fictional characters and stories, such as Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web, Aragog from Harry Potter, or Shelob from The Lord of the Rings.

Conclusion

Mommy long legs spiders are amazing animals that deserve our respect and admiration. They are not dangerous or harmful to humans or animals, but rather helpful and beneficial to the environment. They are also very interesting and unique in their appearance, behavior, and abilities. They are truly a wonder of nature that we should learn more about and appreciate.

If you want to know more about mommy long legs spiders or other spider species, you can visit our website or contact us for more information. We are always happy to share our knowledge and passion for these amazing creatures. Thank you for reading and have a great day!

FAQs about mommy long legs spiders

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about mommy long legs spiders:

Are mommy long legs spiders poisonous?

No, mommy long legs spiders are not poisonous to humans or animals. Their venom is very mild and their bite is very rare. They pose no health risk or threat to anyone.

How many eyes do mommy long legs spiders have?

Mommy long legs spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows on their head. However, their eyesight is very poor and they rely more on their sense of touch and vibration to navigate and hunt.

How big are mommy long legs spiders?

Mommy long legs spiders are very small spiders, with an average body length of 9 mm (0.35 inches). However, their legs are very long and can span up to 7 cm (2.76 inches). This gives them a very distinctive and impressive appearance.

Why are they called mommy long legs?

The name “mommy long legs” is a colloquial term that is used to refer to mommy long legs spiders in some regions or cultures. It may be derived from the fact that they have very long legs compared to their body size, or from the fact that they care for their young in their webs. It may also be a playful or affectionate way of calling them, as opposed to the more formal or scientific name “Pholcus phalangioides”.

Can mommy long legs spiders jump?

No, mommy long legs spiders cannot jump. Their legs are not designed for jumping, but for walking or running. They also do not have muscles or tendons in their legs, but use hydraulic pressure to move them. They can move very fast on their webs or on flat surfaces, but they cannot leap or hop like some other spider species.

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