Question: How long can cellar spiders live?

Answer: Cellar spiders typically have a lifespan of about 1 to 2 years. However, in ideal conditions inside buildings, they can live slightly longer. Their longevity is influenced by factors like temperature, humidity, and availability of food.

Question: What is the leg span of a cellar spider?

Answer: The leg span of a cellar spider can be quite impressive, ranging from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm). This span is much larger than their body size, which is typically only about 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm) in length.

Question: Do cellar spiders pose a threat to humans?

Answer: Contrary to some myths, cellar spiders are not dangerous to humans. They have venom to subdue their prey, but it is not harmful to humans. Additionally, their fangs are not strong enough to penetrate human skin.

Question: Can cellar spiders help control household pests?

Answer: Yes, cellar spiders are beneficial in controlling other insects and pests. They feed on common household pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and sometimes even other spiders, helping to naturally reduce these populations.

Question: How do cellar spiders reproduce?

Answer: Female cellar spiders lay eggs in small silk sacs, usually containing 20 to 30 eggs. These sacs are often hung in their webs. The mother spider may carry the egg sac in her jaws until the spiderlings hatch.

Question: What is unique about cellar spiders' web-building?

Answer: Cellar spiders build messy, irregular webs in corners and less disturbed areas. Their webs are not rebuilt frequently; instead, they continuously add to them, creating large, tangled structures over time.

Question: How do cellar spiders react to threats?

Answer: When threatened, cellar spiders are known for their 'vibrating' defense mechanism. They rapidly shake their bodies in their webs, creating a blur to confuse predators and make it difficult for them to be caught.

Question: Are cellar spiders solitary or social?

Answer: Cellar spiders are generally solitary creatures. While they might be found in proximity to each other, especially in favorable conditions, they do not exhibit social behavior and each spider maintains its own web.

Question: What is the diet of a cellar spider?

Answer: Cellar spiders primarily feed on small insects and other arthropods. Their diet includes flies, mosquitoes, moths, and occasionally other spiders. They rely on their webs to capture these prey.

Question: Can cellar spiders be found worldwide?

Answer: Yes, cellar spiders are found in many parts of the world. They are particularly common in temperate regions and are often found in human dwellings, warehouses, and other structures that provide a suitable environment.