Brown Recluse, Fiddleback Spider, Violin Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Recluse Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a distinctive violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax. The body is finely haired with a velvety texture; the abdomen is oval and lacks spines. It has a flat cephalothorax and long, slender legs.
Size Estimate
Body length 6-20mm (1/4 to 3/4 inch); leg span typically 1 to 1.5 inches. This specimen appears to be an adult male based on the prominent pedipalps.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly light to medium brown or tan body. The 'violin' mark is darker brown with the neck of the fiddle pointing toward the abdomen. Legs are solid colored with no banding or contrasting stripes.
Web Type
Builds irregular, asymmetric 'tangle' webs of off-white or grayish silk. Webs are usually hidden in undisturbed corners and used as retreats rather than for prey capture.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle: one median pair and two lateral pairs. This is a primary diagnostic feature.
Leg Characteristics
Long, thin, and tapered legs. They lack thick spines but are covered in fine hairs. They do not have banding or stripes. In a resting position, legs are often splayed out.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom containing the enzyme sphingomyelinase D, which can cause dermonecrosis (tissue death) in some individuals.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites are minor, but a small percentage result in necrotic ulcers. Symptoms include redness, blistering, and a 'bullseye' lesion. Seek medical attention if a necrotic sore develops.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out shoes and clothing left on the floor. Wear gloves when moving woodpiles or boxes. To relocate, use the cup-and-paper method carefully; do not handle with bare hands.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found in the Central and Midwestern United States. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, woodpiles, and behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
A shy, nocturnal hunter that actively searches for prey rather than waiting in a web. It is non-aggressive and typically only bites when pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding).
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on soft-bodied insects like silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches. They are known to scavenge on dead insects, which is unique among many spider species.
Seasonal Activity
Most active from March through October. Overwintering occurs in sheltered indoor locations or deep within crevices.
Description
The Brown Recluse is a misunderstood but medically significant spider of the American heartland. It is characterized by its dull brown color and iconic violin mark. While feared, it is a reclusive creature that avoids human contact whenever possible.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax, six eyes in three pairs, uniformly colored legs without spines, and a shy, retreating behavior.
Similar Species
Often confused with House Spiders (Tegenaria), Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae), and Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae). These other species usually have eight eyes, banded legs, or visible spines.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. They can live 2-4 years. Spiderlings undergo several molts and may stay near the mother initially.
Ecological Importance
Provides significant natural pest control inside homes and structures by preying on nuisance insects like cockroaches and silverfish.
Conservation Status
Not listed / Secure. Common throughout its endemic range, often occurring in high densities within human structures.
Interesting Facts
Brown Recluses can survive for months without food or water. They are one of the few spiders that will eat prey they did not kill themselves (scavenging).
Photography Tips
Focus on the top of the cephalothorax to capture the violin mark and the front of the head to document the six-eye arrangement for positive identification.
Identified: 2026-07-15T19:19:20.343539