Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sand Spiders and Recluses), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a distinctive violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax. It has a smooth, non-banded body with fine hairs giving it a velvety appearance. The abdomen is uniform in color without spots or stripes.
Size Estimate
Body length typically 6-20 mm (1/4 to 3/4 inch); leg span approximately the size of a U.S. quarter to a half-dollar.
Coloration & Markings
Tan to dark brown overall. The most diagnostic feature is the dark brown 'violin' or 'fiddle' marking on the lighter tan cephalothorax, with the neck of the fiddle pointing toward the abdomen.
Web Type
Irregular, sticky, off-white retreat webs. They are not orb-weavers; webs are built in dark, undisturbed corners for shelter rather than prey capture.
Eye Arrangement
Unique arrangement of six eyes organized into three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle, unlike most spiders which have eight eyes in two rows.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs that lack thick spines or banding. Legs are uniformly colored and covered in very fine hairs.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains sphingomyelinase D, a cytotoxic (tissue-destroying) enzyme. It can cause necrosis (cell death) at the bite site in a small percentage of cases.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites result in minor redness, but some develop into necrotic ulcers. Deaths are extremely rare and usually involve systemic reactions in children or the elderly.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out clothing/shoes left on the floor. Wear gloves when moving woodpiles or boxes. Seal cracks/crevices. If bitten, apply ice and seek medical evaluation.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily found in the Central and Southeastern United States. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed areas such as attics, basements, closets, and woodpiles.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive and nocturnal. They are not aggressive and typically bite only when pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding). They wander at night to hunt.
Diet & Prey
Active hunters that scavenge or hunt soft-bodied insects like cockroaches, crickets, and silverfish.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but peak activity and movement occur from March through October.
Description
The Brown Recluse is one of the most misunderstood spiders in North America. While its name inspires fear, it is a shy, non-aggressive species that prefers to hide in the shadows of human dwellings.
Key Features
Six eyes in three pairs; uniform leg color (no bands); 'violin' marking on cephalothorax; fine hairs (not spiny).
Similar Species
Cellar spiders (long thin legs, different body), Wolf spiders (spiny legs, eight eyes), Southern House Spider (longer pedipalps, different eye cluster).
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. They can live 1 to 2 years in the wild, but up to 4-5 years in laboratory settings.
Ecological Importance
Act as natural pest control within homes and outbuildings, consuming many indoor pests that humans find undesirable.
Conservation Status
Not listed; populations are stable and common within their endemic range.
Interesting Facts
They can survive for months without food or water. Their venom evolved for breaking down prey tissues, which is why it can affect human skin cells similarly.
Photography Tips
A clear, overhead shot of the cephalothorax is essential to see the violin mark and eye arrangement. Avoid getting too close without a macro lens if you are unsure of the species.
Identified: 2026-06-26T22:15:37.700064