Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sicarid Spiders), Order Araneae. Characterized by having six eyes in three pairs and a violin-shaped mark.
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a relatively flat cephalothorax and an oval-shaped abdomen. The body is covered in fine, short hairs giving it a velvety texture. Characterized by long, slender legs and a distinctive 'fiddle' mark on the head region.
Size Estimate
Body length 6-20 mm (approx. 1/4 to 3/4 inch); leg span approx. 2-3 cm. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Usually tan to dark brown. The most famous marking is the dark brown, violin-shaped silhouette on the dorsal cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen. The abdomen is uniformly colored with no spots or stripes.
Web Type
Tangle/Sheet web. Built in undisturbed, dark locations. The silk is off-white or grayish, sticky, and irregular in structure. It is not used for catching prey in flight but as a retreat.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle. This is a key diagnostic feature as most spiders have eight eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Long, thin, and uniformly colored. They lack thick spines or banding. Leg posture is often somewhat spread out and flat against surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains sphingomyelinase D, a cytotoxic (necrosis-inducing) enzyme. Potency varies; most bites result in minor redness, but some can lead to necrotic skin lesions.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Bites can cause loxoscelism, characterized by a painful blister, followed by a local necrotic wound. Systemic reactions are rare but serious. Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out shoes and clothing left on the floor. Wear gloves when moving woodpiles or boxes. To relocate, use a jar and stiff paper, avoiding direct contact. Treat bites with ice and elevation.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily found in the Central and Southeastern United States. Preferred habitats include dark, dry, undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, sheds, basements, closets, and behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
Shy and reclusive as the name suggests. They are nocturnal hunters that wander to find prey. They are not aggressive and typically only bite when pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding).
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on small insects such as silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches. They also scavenge on dead insects.
Seasonal Activity
Most active from spring through autumn. During winter, they remain dormant in insulated, undisturbed areas of buildings.
Description
The Brown Recluse is a modest-looking but medically significant spider. Its reclusive nature often keeps it hidden from view, though wandering males may be spotted on walls. It plays a role as a quiet predator of household pests.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax; six eyes in three pairs; uniformly colored legs (no bands); uniformly colored abdomen (no spots).
Similar Species
Kukulcania hibernalis (Southern House Spider) - larger, lacks the 3-pair eye pattern. Tegenaria species (Hobo spiders) - have patterned abdomens. Wolf spiders - have 8 eyes and patterns on abdomen.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. Spiderlings molt several times over a year to reach maturity. Adults can live 1-2 years, showing extreme resilience to starvation.
Ecological Importance
Act as natural pest control by eating common household insects like silverfish and moths, maintaining the balance of indoor micro-ecosystems.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but populations are stable and common throughout their native US range.
Interesting Facts
Brown recluses can survive for months without food or water. They are one of only a few spiders in North America with medically significant venom that causes tissue death.
Photography Tips
Focus on the cephalothorax (the front body segment) to capture the 'violin' mark and the eye arrangement. Use a macro lens or high zoom from a safe distance.
Identified: 2026-06-18T17:29:12.832758