Dangling About In The Shed

Daddy Long-legs Spider Pholcus phalangioides

Here we have another spider mother who nurtures her eggs with such dedication she carries them about with her. I found her dangling from a roof  beam in the shed at the bottom of my garden. Daddy Long-legs Spider (Pholcus phalangioides), is the name and this is the first time I have managed to get up close enough to get some pictures of her and her eggs.

Daddy Long-legs Spider Pholcus phalangioides

The peak breeding season is between June and September. The female can hold between 20 to 30 eggs in her pedipalps, and will do so for up to four weeks depending on the conditions. She will eat any that hatch unsuccessfully, and will watch over the healthy young for about another week when they should be able to fend for themselves.

Daddy Long-legs Spider Pholcus phalangioides

Daddy Long-legs Spider Pholcus phalangioides

Garden shed, Staffordshire, England. June 2017.

34 thoughts on “Dangling About In The Shed”

  5. David W. Jones
    Reply

    Amazing shots! Especially the closeup of the egg ball. Have lived around daddy longlegs for decades but never once saw any with eggs. Thanks for sharing the pictures!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. jillslawit
    Reply

    I’m sure these are the type which live in our cottage, but we know them as Cellar Spiders. They’re quite big, but spindly and sometimes barely visible. We’ve seen them carrying eggs at this time of year, and noticed tiny spiderlings. Could be wrong but sure they are the same. I can happily live with this type. If you get too close they can go into a spin to confuse enemies.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pete Hillman
      Reply

      They are one and the same Jill, and they are also called Cellar Spiders. The do go into a spin when disturbed, as you say. I have always had them in my shed, and they sometimes find their way into the house. They are slow-moving and easy to catch compared to some of the other spiders 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • jillslawit

        I’m not into spiders at all, but oddly enough I like these. They sort of live with us and don’t feel like intruders. Even my 2 year old granddaughter seems to like them.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Pete Hillman

        It is good that children are not afraid of spiders, and the like, and that your granddaughter seems to like them is even better! Now my Dad never liked them, and he attacked them with his slipper when he saw one in the house. I have always had a fascination for them. I guess some kids just don’t grow up 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Jude
    Reply

    What superb macro Pete! Every photo! We have lots of spindly spiders here – often living in the house in ceiling corners. They’re the one variety I don’t mind and am happy to live with. I’ve never seen on with eggs. That last shot was such a beautiful capture of mama spider carrying her egg sac!

    Liked by 1 person

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