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Pholcus phalangioides (sometimes known as the 'Daddy-long-legs Spider') is almost always found inside buildings. There have been a few out of doors Summer records in recent years and it possible that it could overwinter in sheltered localities. Pholcus phalangioides has been present in every building in which I have been in Cornwall and it is clear that it is massively under-recorded.
The spider is most often seen in the corners of rooms near the ceiling. If it is touched, Pholcus phalangioides gyrates rapidly back and forth (presumably an anti-predation mechanism). It is quite capable of tackling prey larger than itself. I have watched Pholcus catch adult male Tegenaria saeva twice their size with a horrid inevitability.
There are hundreds of Pholcus phalangioides inside the small hut belonging to the Cable Station on the beach at Porthcurno. Not a place for arachnophobes!
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