Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Recluse Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a distinctive cephalothorax that is somewhat flattened. It has a smooth, finely-haired texture and lacks any spines on the legs. The abdomen is uniformly colored and oval-shaped.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 6-20 mm (1/4 to 3/4 inch); leg span can reach the size of a US quarter or half-dollar (approx. 25-38 mm). This specimen appears to be a sub-adult or adult.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly light brown to tan legs and abdomen. The most diagnostic marking is the dark brown 'violin' or 'fiddle' shape on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen.
Web Type
Irregular, asymmetrical, and messy-looking 'tangle' webs. They are usually built in undisturbed, dark locations and are used for retreat rather than 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 differentiator from most other spiders which have eight eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender, and uniformly colored legs. They lack thick spines (macrosetae) but are covered in fine hairs. They are usually held in a flat, sprawling posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains sphingomyelinase D, a dermonecrotic enzyme that can cause tissue death (necrosis) in the area surrounding the bite. Systemic reactions are rare but serious.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites result in minor redness, but some develop a necrotic 'bullseye' lesion. Symptoms include pain, itching, fever, and chills. Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out shoes and clothing left on the floor. Wear gloves when moving boxes or woodpiles. To relocate, use the cup-and-paper method carefully or use sticky traps for monitoring infestations.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily the Central and Southern United States. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed microhabitats like woodpiles, basements, closets, attics, and behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive, shy, and non-aggressive. They typically run for cover when disturbed. Bites usually occur only when the spider is pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding).
Diet & Prey
Scavenges for dead insects or hunts live prey such as soft-bodied insects and other spiders. They use a 'bite and retreat' strategy to let their venom work.
Seasonal Activity
Most active from March to October. During winter, they retreat into deeper crevices or wall voids to overwinter in a state of reduced activity.
Description
The Brown Recluse is one of the few spiders in North America with medically significant venom. It is often misunderstood and misidentified due to its plain appearance and reclusive nature.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax; six eyes in three pairs; uniformly colored legs with no bands or spines; abdomen with no spots or patterns.
Similar Species
Cellar spiders (Pholcidae), Wolf spiders (Lycosidae), and Kukulcania hibernalis. Cellar spiders have very long legs and 8 eyes; Wolf spiders have distinct stripes and large eyes.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. Spiderlings take about a year to reach maturity. Adults can live for 1 to 2 years, sometimes longer in laboratory settings.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective predator of household pests like cockroaches, crickets, and silverfish, contributing to natural pest control indoors.
Conservation Status
Not listed by IUCN; stable population. Not a species of conservation concern and often considered a pest in residential settings.
Interesting Facts
The Brown Recluse can survive for several months without food or water. It is known for its extreme resilience and ability to live in highly arid environments.
Photography Tips
A clear, well-lit top-down photo of the cephalothorax (the front body segment) is essential to see the violin marking and eye arrangement for a positive ID.
Identified: 2026-06-11T13:20:03.981519