Brown Recluse Spider, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sicariid Spiders), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include having only six eyes arranged in distinct dyads.
Physical Description
The spider has a relatively uniform, finely haired body with a distinct fiddle-shaped or violin-shaped marking on the dorsal cephalothorax pointing toward the abdomen. The legs are long, thin, and devoid of prominent spines.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 6 to 20 millimeters (0.24 to 0.79 inches), with a leg span reaching up to 20 to 30 millimeters. This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult based on the proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Coloration ranges from light tan to dark brown. The cephalothorax features the characteristic darker violin pattern. The abdomen is uniform in color without distinct bands, stripes, or patterns, though it may vary depending on recent meals.
Web Type
Irregular tangle web or sheet web built in dark, sheltered, undisturbed locations such as woodpiles, basements, and closets rather than symmetrical orb webs.
Eye Arrangement
Uniquely possesses six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) forming a semicircle on the anterior cephalothorax, distinguishing them from most common spiders which possess eight eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Legs are long, slender, light brown, and lack spines or prominent banding. They tend to spread out flat when the spider is resting or running rapidly.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a potent necrotic venom containing the enzyme sphingomyelinase D, which can destroy cell membranes and cause localized tissue destruction.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites result in minor localized irritation, but some cause necrotic skin lesions (dermonecrosis) that require professional medical treatment. Systemic reactions are rare.
Safety Recommendations
Wear gloves when moving stored items or firewood, shake out shoes and clothing before dressing, and relocate indoor spiders safely using a container and a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found primarily in the Midwestern and Southern United States. Prefers dry, dark, undisturbed microhabitats such as under rocks, in bark, inside basements, attics, crawlspaces, and behind furniture indoors.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive, nocturnal, and non-aggressive. They typically flee when disturbed and only bite when trapped against human skin, such as inside clothing or shoes.
Diet & Prey
Primarily preys on small insects such as cockroaches, crickets, and silverfish, actively hunting them or capturing them in nearby irregular webs.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during spring and summer months, though indoor specimens remain active year-round in heated buildings.
Description
The Brown Recluse is an elusive indoor and outdoor dweller known for its characteristic violin marking and potent necrotic venom. Though reclusive and rarely aggressive, encounters require caution.
Key Features
Six eyes in three dyads, a distinct dark violin marking on the cephalothorax, uniformly colored abdomen without patterns, and long, spine-free legs.
Similar Species
Cellar spiders (Pholcidae) have much longer, spindly legs and eight eyes. Grass spiders (Agelenidae) have prominent spinnerets and banded legs. Male crevice weavers (Kukulcania hibernalis) appear velvety and darker.
Life Cycle
Females produce several silk egg sacs containing around 50 eggs each during the warmer months. Spiderlings molt multiple times before reaching adulthood, and the species can live for 1 to 3 years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective predator of household and outdoor insect pests, helping regulate populations of cockroaches and other invertebrates.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure and abundant throughout their native geographic range.
Interesting Facts
Brown recluses can survive for months without food or water. Their venom is exceptionally potent for their size, specialized primarily for subduing struggling insect prey.
Photography Tips
Photograph from a safe distance using macro lenses with natural or diffused lighting. Capture the dorsal view to clearly show the eye arrangement and the violin cephalothorax marking.
Identified: 2026-08-14T22:42:41.198880