a male Pholcus
phalangioides showing the characteristic pedipalps
So Pholcus is a
formidable hunter. It has only small chelicera ('jaws')
but with a very potent poison. After a quick bite it
wraps its prey in silk. Its long legs are very
manoeuvrable which is not only of use in killing but also
in defence.
Using their legs daddy-long-legs spiders can make
themselves almost invisible. By rapidly shaking when
hanging in their web they create a motion-blur and
because of their long thin legs the image of the spider
vanishes almost completely. A very effective technique to
outwit predators.
Like all spiders Pholcus is a very interesting subject for microscopic study. The image shows a male. The pedipalps (the appendages on the front end) are much enlarged in male spiders. They are the secondary reproductive organs.