Comb-footed Cellar Spider

<em>Nesticus cellulanus</em>, the comb-footed cellar spider, is a small arachnid in the family Nesticidae, assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The species belongs to a group commonly referred to as cave or cellar spiders, and it is found in Europe as well as parts of Canada, where it has likely been introduced. It inhabits dark, humid environments including caves, cellars, basements, stone walls, and the underside of rocks and logs, where it constructs irregular, sticky cobwebs to ensnare small invertebrate prey. The common name references the comb-like serrations on the hind legs characteristic of the family, which are used to wrap prey in silk. <em>N. cellulanus</em> is a small spider with limited body dimensions typical of its family. It is generally considered harmless to humans and plays a role in controlling populations of small arthropods in its habitat.