{{Taxobox | name = Marbled cellar spider | image = Holocnemus_pluchei_01.jpg | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Arthropoda | classis = Arachnida | ordo = Araneae | familia = Pholcidae | genus = ''[[Holocnemus]]'' | species = ''H. pluchei'' | binomial = ''Holocnemus pluchei'' | binomial_authority = (Scopoli, 1763) }}
Holocnemus pluchei, also commonly known as the marbled cellar spider or marbled daddy long-legs spider, is a species of [[spider]] belonging to the family [[Pholcidae]]. It is distinguished by its characteristic marbled pattern on the abdomen and its long, slender legs, typical of cellar spiders.
Description
''Holocnemus pluchei'' is a medium-sized [[pholcid]] spider, with an average body length ranging from 4 to 7 [[millimetre|mm]]. However, its exceptionally long and thin legs can give it a much larger appearance, with a leg span often reaching 5 to 7 [[centimetre|cm]].The most distinctive feature of ''H. pluchei'' is the variegated (marbled) pattern on its [[opisthosoma]] (abdomen), which varies in color from light brown to grey, often featuring darker markings that can form a central longitudinal stripe bordered by lighter areas. The [[cephalothorax]] (prosoma) is typically paler and less patterned. Like other pholcids, it possesses eight eyes, usually grouped into two lateral triads and two median eyes. The legs are exceptionally long, slender, and often appear translucent, sometimes exhibiting faint banding. Males can be distinguished by their more robust [[pedipalps]], which are complex and used in mating.
Habitat and Distribution
Originally native to the [[Mediterranean basin]] in Southern Europe and North Africa, ''Holocnemus pluchei'' has become a [[cosmopolitan distribution|cosmopolitan]] species, largely due to human activity and its adaptability. It has successfully established populations in many parts of the world, including North America (particularly the western United States and Canada), parts of Asia, and other regions of Europe beyond its native range.This spider is highly [[synanthropic]], meaning it thrives in close association with human environments. Its preferred habitats include sheltered, dark, and often damp locations such as [[cellar|cellars]], [[garage|garages]], [[shed|sheds]], basements, storage rooms, and under bridges. In natural settings, it can be found in caves, under rocks, or in other similar crevices. It is adept at surviving in both arid and more humid climates, demonstrating remarkable ecological flexibility.
Ecology and Behavior
''Holocnemus pluchei'' constructs an irregular, tangled, and often messy sheet-like web, typically in corners or crevices of its chosen habitat. Unlike [[orb-weaver spider|orb-weavers]], its web is not designed to be sticky but rather to act as a snare, causing prey to become entangled in its non-adhesive silk.Its diet primarily consists of other [[arthropod]]s, including [[insect]]s (such as [[mosquito]]es and [[fly|flies]]) and other spiders. ''Holocnemus pluchei'' is known to be an opportunistic and sometimes aggressive predator, with a reputation for invading the webs of other spider species to prey on the host spider itself or its cached prey. This behavior allows it to compete effectively with other spider species in shared environments.
Reproduction involves a complex courtship ritual where the male performs a series of vibrations and movements to attract the female. After mating, the female carries her cluster of eggs, encapsulated in a sparse silk sac, directly in her [[chelicerae]] (jaws) until the spiderlings hatch. This form of maternal care is characteristic of many pholcid spiders. The lifespan of ''H. pluchei'' can range from one to three years, depending on environmental conditions and food availability.