Brown Recluse, Fiddleback Spider, Violin Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sand Spiders and Recluses), Order Araneae
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 appearance. It lacks thick spines on the legs. In this specimen, the characteristic violin-shaped marking is visible on the light-colored cephalothorax.
Size Estimate
Based on the spoon and napkin for scale, the body length is approximately 8-12mm (sub-adult to adult). Typical leg span for an adult reaches roughly 25mm (1 inch).
Coloration & Markings
Generally light to medium brown or tan. The most defining feature is a dark, violin-shaped (fiddle) marking on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen. The abdomen is uniformly colored with no spots or stripes.
Web Type
Builds irregular, asymmetric 'tangle' webs. These are not used for hunting but serve as retreats. They are typically placed in dry, dark, undisturbed areas like boxes, closets, or woodpiles.
Eye Arrangement
Distinguished by having only six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle, rather than the eight eyes common to most spiders.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs that are uniformly colored with no banding or prominent spines. They are covered in fine hairs (setae). The legs are held in a somewhat sprawled, lateral position.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a cytotoxic protein called sphingomyelinase D. The venom is dermonecrotic, meaning it can cause localized tissue death at the bite site.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Bites may result in necrotic arachnidism, where a small blister develops into an open ulcer (eschar). Systemic reactions are rare but can include fever or hemolysis. Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out clothing and shoes left on the floor. Wear gloves when moving storage boxes or wood. To relocate, use a jar and stiff paper, or use sticky traps for monitoring infestations.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily found in the Central and Southeastern United States. They prefer indoor microhabitats such as basements, attics, and behind furniture, or outdoor spots like under bark or rocks.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive and nocturnal. They are active hunters that leave their webs at night to forage. They are not aggressive and typically only bite when pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding).
Diet & Prey
Small insects such as crickets, silverfish, and other spiders. They use active hunting and a potent venom to submerge and liquefy their prey.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but activity peaks from spring through autumn. They may seek warmer areas during winter months.
Description
A notorious but misunderstood arachnid of North America. Known for its reclusive nature and the violin-like mark on its back, this spider is a common inhabitant of human structures in its range, where it acts as an effective predator of household pests.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax, six eyes in three pairs, uniformly colored legs without spines, and a velvety, monochrome abdomen.
Similar Species
Often confused with Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae), which have eight eyes and thicker spines, or House Spiders (Tegenaria), which have banded legs and different eye patterns.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing about 40-50 eggs each. They can live for 1-2 years in the wild and longer in laboratory settings. They molt several times before reaching maturity.
Ecological Importance
Serves as a natural pest control agent in domestic and wild environments, preying on various structural pests.
Conservation Status
Not listed by the IUCN. Populations are stable and common throughout their endemic range.
Interesting Facts
The Brown Recluse can survive for several months without food or water. Despite their fearsome reputation, many people live in infested homes for years without ever being bitten.
Photography Tips
A macro shot focusing on the top of the cephalothorax to clearly show the eye arrangement and the violin marking is essential for identification.
Identified: 2026-05-21T01:39:49.082658