The infamous cellar spider.

[tarantula3898]

Okay so we all know by know that there is not an once of data to support the claim that a cellar spider(A.K.A-Daddy looks like a harvestman), but where did this myth come from. I read a post online that stated that a cellar spider has been known to invade a Black Widows web and kill the black widow. there was no supporting evidence and I could not find this info online.

Any takers on the matter at hand?

 

[lhystrix]

I read a post online that stated that a cellar spider has been known to invade a Black Widows web and kill the black widow. there was no supporting evidence and I could not find this info online.

Any takers on the matter at hand?

Confused by the first part of your statement, but the second part has some truth.

When associated with manmade structures, and sometimes in natural habitats, Pholcids often occur in close proximity (as well as other spiders) to widows in NA such as hesperus and mactans.

Pholcids prey upon insects and spiders, and this includes early instar widows. Later instar and adult widows are too large, however. It is feasible for a Pholcid to take out an old, dying widow, though.

Below is an image of a community tank I had as a kid in 1989. These spiders coexisted 'peacefully', but there was a definite pecking order with the widow on top. The reason behind the 'peaceful' community was abundant insect prey, so the spiders basically ignored each other. The spiders below are a general example of spiders (same genera, same and/or different species) one might encounter in basement window in the northeast, or a garage window or corner in the southwest.

Yellow circles-Pholcus phalangioides. The one in the middle was carrying eggs.
Red circle-Steatoda borealis with egg sac.
Blue circle-Steatoda triangulosa, adult female.
Large black spider-Adult female L. hesperus reinforcing retreat.

 

[crpy]

Confused by the first part of your statement, but the second part has some truth.

When associated with manmade structures, and sometimes in natural habitats, Pholcids often occur in close proximity (as well as other spiders) to widows in NA such as hesperus and mactans.

Pholcids prey upon insects and spiders, and this includes early instar widows. Later instar and adult widows are too large, however. It is feasible for a Pholcid to take out an old, dying widow, though.

Below is an image of a community tank I had as a kid in 1989. These spiders coexisted 'peacefully', but there was a definite pecking order with the widow on top. The reason behind the 'peaceful' community was abundant insect prey, so the spiders basically ignored each other. The spiders below are a general example of spiders one might encounter in basement window in the northeast, or a garage window or corner in the southwest.

Yellow circles-Pholcus phalangioides. The one in the middle was carrying eggs.
Red circle-Steatoda borealis with egg sac.
Blue circle-Steatoda triangulosa, adult female.
Large black spider-Adult female L. hesperus reinforcing retreat.

Great pic, interesting to see the different webs in use together.