There are more than 650 species of spider in the UK, including the false widow spider, cardinal spider, zebra spider, and green huntsman spider.
But the most common spider found in the UK is the daddy long-legs, also referred to as the cellar spider.
The spider you’ll find in your home all year round
Daddy long-legs spiders are a yellowish-grey colour with a long, tubular abdomen that often has darker markings on it, according to The Wildlife Trusts.
Its body is tiny compared to its “extremely long, spindly” legs, which usually have pale and dark bands on the joints.
The daddy long-legs spider is “almost only ever found indoors”, the wildlife experts add, due to the warm, stable temperature.
Daddy long-legs spiders are “almost only ever found indoors”. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
BBC Countryfile adds: “A century ago, the daddy long-legs spider was a fairly uncommon sight in the living rooms and kitchens of western Europe.
“Fast-forward to today, and this spindly legged tropical Asian species is so abundant that it’s probably found in the majority of domestic settings in the region – except, perhaps, those patrolled by the most arachnophobic home owners.”
It continues: “This species is active all year indoors and, unlike most spiders, is semi-social.
“The young in particular enjoy company, so you might see several hanging out in the same corner of the ceiling.”
Are daddy long-legs spiders dangerous?
Daddy long-legs spiders are not dangerous to humans. They feed on insects and also hunt other spiders.
Despite its fragile-looking frame, BBC Countryfile said: “It can make mincemeat of the much heavier, hairier house spiders that share its indoor habitat.
“Using its extremely long limbs, it throws sticky silk over its prey from a safe distance, immobilising its victims.”
If they’re disturbed, some daddy long-legs spiders will bounce and vibrate rapidly in their web in an attempt to frighten away the threat, The Wildlife Trusts explains.
Others will curl up and try to look as inconspicuous as possible.
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Where you’ll find daddy long-legs spiders in the UK
The daddy long-legs spider was not always found in the UK, with the first recorded sighting back in 1864.
However, today it can be found in most homes right across the country.