A Pet Cellar Spider Took Down a Wolf Spider in the Bathroom—and Became a Legend
Move over, Spider-Man—there’s a new hero in town. And her name is Lilly.
Redditor kels_bells94 didn’t expect to witness a full-on spider royal rumble when they walked into their bathroom. But perched in the corner, casually reigning over the web she’d spun, was their resident cellar spider—formerly known as Lyle—mid-feast on an entire wolf spider.
That’s right: a spider roughly twice her size.
“If Lyle can tackle a wolf spider, you can do the thing,” the OP wrote, turning the post into an unexpectedly motivational mic drop.
The post exploded on r/spiders, racking up over 18,000 upvotes and hundreds of wild, hilarious, and oddly touching comments. But the biggest twist?
Turns out Lyle was a lady. So, naturally, the OP renamed her Lilly. A few hours later, a smaller male spider (her apparent boyfriend) wandered out from the shadows to help “secure the winnings”… and was promptly named Lyle. Yep, the names swapped—but hey, “they don’t care what we call them,” as one commenter joked.
David vs. Goliath: Spider Edition
So how did a wispy, long-legged cellar spider manage to defeat a famously aggressive wolf spider?
Apparently, this isn’t as rare as you’d think.
Another user chimed in:
“I had one in my basement. Saw dead wolf spiders underneath her web twice. I don’t mess with that little guy.”
While wolf spiders rely on brute strength and speed, cellar spiders have a different superpower: range and precision. Their long legs let them attack from a distance, and their sticky silk can subdue spiders far larger than themselves.
One commenter put it perfectly:
“It’s like Steven Merchant beating up Mike Tyson… just how?”
Spider Royalty (and Memes)
The community rallied behind Lilly like she was the protagonist of a Marvel movie.
One user compared the showdown to a fantasy battle:
Another joked:
“Lyle had a second health bar.”
And one fan even gave Lilly the dramatic tagline she deserved:
“Mine is the judgment, and the judgment is death.”
The post didn’t just entertain—it educated.
Many commenters didn’t know cellar spiders were such skilled hunters. Some admitted they used to squish them on sight… but now? They’re letting their “PBS” (Pet Bathroom Spider) live rent-free.
“This post has convinced me to keep my door spider. I shall name them Steve. We are roommates now.”
“Glad I’m not the only one who gave up and accepted the spider bros living in the house. I have one in the basement that watches TV with me while I walk on the treadmill.”
And in true Reddit fashion, there were political jabs, anime references, and one commenter who simply said:
“Lyle! GET SUM!”
What’s Next for Lilly?
The OP plans to move 1,200 miles soon and is torn on whether to bring Lilly (and Lyle) along.
They’re worried the delicate spider might not survive the trip—but aren’t ready to just leave her behind, either.
Commenters have suggested bug transport containers and moist paper towels for hydration.
One thing’s clear: Lilly’s not just a bathroom spider anymore—she’s family.
“Honestly, I’ve had roommates who were worth less than the spiders in our house,” one fan admitted.
This unexpected bathroom brawl turned legend reminds us all that sometimes, the smallest creatures are the fiercest.
So next time you see a cellar spider in your home, think twice before reaching for the tissue.
She might just be your best line of defense.
