Cellar Spider vs. Brown Recluse: Understanding the Differences

When identifying spiders in your home, it’s crucial to know the difference between common species like the cellar spider and the brown recluse. Although these spiders may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct characteristics, appearances, feeding habits, and living habits. Understanding these differences can help you avoid unnecessary panic and take appropriate action if you encounter either of these spiders.

Comparison Table: Cellar Spider vs. Brown Recluse

Feature	Cellar Spider	Brown Recluse
Scientific Name	Pholcus phalangioides	Loxosceles reclusa
Size	1/4 inch body, legs up to 2 inches	1/2 inch body, shorter legs
Color	Light brown or gray	Brown with a violin-shaped mark
Venom	Non-venomous to humans	Venomous, can cause necrotic lesions
Web Type	Irregular, messy webs	Small, hidden webs
Habitat	Dark, damp areas like basements	Dark, undisturbed areas like attics
Behavior	Non-aggressive, communal	Solitary, reclusive
Feeding Habits	Preys on small insects and other spiders	Feeds on small insects, opportunistic hunter
Bite Risk	Harmless to humans	Potentially dangerous, requires medical attention

Characteristics

Cellar Spider The cellar spider, often referred to as the “daddy long-legs,” is a harmless spider commonly found in homes. These spiders are known for their long, thin legs and small bodies. Despite their intimidating appearance, cellar spiders pose no threat to humans. They are non-venomous, and their bites are not medically significant. Brown Recluse The brown recluse, on the other hand, is a venomous spider that can be dangerous to humans. It is easily recognized by the violin-shaped mark on its back. Brown recluses are reclusive by nature, often hiding in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and basements. Their bites can cause serious medical issues, including necrotic skin lesions, and should be treated immediately.

Appearance

Cellar Spider Cellar spiders are typically light brown or gray with a small body that measures around 1/4 inch in length. Legs of Cellar spiders can be up to 2 inches in length, giving them a gangly appearance. The body of a cellar spider is elongated and thin, and they are often found hanging upside down in irregular, messy webs. Brown Recluse Brown recluses are brown, with a body length of about 1/2 inch. Their legs are much shorter in comparison to the cellar spider, making them appear more compact. The distinctive violin-shaped marking on the back of the brown recluse is one of its most recognizable features. Unlike cellar spiders, brown recluses build their webs in hidden areas and rarely wander in the open.

Feeding Habits

Cellar Spider Cellar spiders feed on small insects, other spiders, and even other cellar spiders. They are known for their ability to catch prey much larger than themselves. Interestingly, cellar spiders are beneficial to have around the home as they help control the population of other, more harmful pests. Brown Recluse Brown recluses primarily feed on small insects and are known to be opportunistic hunters. They do not actively hunt for food but rather wait for prey to stumble into their webs. Their venom is used to stop their prey from moving and digesting it. Given their reclusive nature, brown recluses often go unnoticed, feeding in the hidden corners of your home.

Living Habits

Cellar Spider Cellar spiders prefer to live in dark, damp areas like basements, cellars, and crawl spaces. They are often found in corners or ceiling edges, where they construct irregular webs. These spiders are not territorial and can live in close proximity to one another. Brown Recluse Brown recluses are solitary spiders that prefer to live in dark, undisturbed areas. They are commonly found in attics, closets, and under furniture. Unlike cellar spiders, brown recluses are more likely to bite when threatened, making it important to be cautious when reaching into dark or cluttered spaces. Myths and Facts

Myth	Fact
Cellar spiders are venomous and dangerous to humans.	Cellar spiders are usually harmless to humans, and their bites are not medically significant.
Brown recluse spiders are aggressive and always bite.	Brown recluses are reclusive and only bite when threatened or trapped.
Cellar spiders eat brown recluses.	Cellar spiders can prey on other spiders, but it’s not common for them to eat brown recluses.
Brown recluse bites are always deadly.	While brown recluse bites can cause serious symptoms, they are rarely fatal with prompt medical treatment.
All brown spiders are brown recluses.	Many brown spiders are harmless and should not be mistaken for the brown recluse.