Brown Recluse, Fiddle-back Spider, Violin Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sicariid Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a relatively flat cephalothorax and an oval-shaped abdomen. The body texture is covered in fine hairs (setae), giving it a velvety or 'dusty' appearance rather than a shiny or spiny one. The cephalothorax features a distinct sunken groove. It lacks heavy spines on the legs.
Size Estimate
Body length 6-20 mm (approx. 1/4 to 3/4 inch). Leg span typically reaches 1 to 1.5 inches. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly light tan to dark brown abdomen with no spots or stripes. The cephalothorax features a dark, violin-shaped (fiddles-shaped) marking with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen. The legs are solid-colored without banding.
Web Type
Irregular, sticky, grayish-white retreat webs. They do not use webs to catch prey but rather stay within them for shelter during the day in dark, undisturbed areas like closets or cardboard boxes.
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 identifying it from most spiders which have eight eyes.
Leg Characteristics
The legs are long and slender with a uniform color. They lack thick spines but are covered in fine, short hairs. When at rest, the spider typically holds its legs in a somewhat flattened, sprawling posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Hemotoxic/cytotoxic venom containing sphingomyelinase D. The venom attacks skin tissue and can cause localized necrosis (tissue death) or, in rare cases, systemic reactions (loxoscelism).
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites result in minor redness and healing without scarring, but a small percentage develop necrotic ulcers. Symptoms include pain after a few hours, blistering, and a 'bullseye' lesion. Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out clothing/shoes left on the floor. Wear gloves when moving cardboard boxes or wood. To relocate, use the cup-and-paper method carefully or use sticky traps for monitoring infestations.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily the South-Central and Midwestern United States (from Nebraska to Ohio and south to Texas and Georgia). They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed microhabitats like attics, basements, and woodpiles.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive and non-aggressive. They are nocturnal hunters that wander at night to find prey. They typically only bite when pressed against skin, such as when trapped in clothing or bedding.
Diet & Prey
Scavengers and active hunters. They eat insects like silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches. They can survive for long periods (months) without food or water.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but most sightings occur in spring and summer (March through October) when males wander in search of mates.
Description
The Brown Recluse is one of the most misunderstood and feared spiders in North America. Known for its reclusive nature, it is a master of hiding in the dark corners of human habitations. While its venom is potent, the spider is shy and rarely encounters humans unless disturbed. Its distinctive violin marking makes it a fascinating, albeit cautious, subject for arachnologists.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax; six eyes in three pairs; solid-colored abdomen with no markings; solid-colored legs with no bands.
Similar Species
Kukulcania hibernalis (Southern House Spider) - larger, lacks the 3-pair eye pattern. Tegenaria species (Hobo spiders) - have patterned abdomens. Any common wolf spider - has eight eyes and different patterns.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. Spiderlings reach maturity in about a year. Adults are remarkably long-lived for spiders, often living 2 to 4 years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective predator of common household pests and indoor insects, helping to naturally regulate populations of cockroaches and silverfish.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; populations are stable and locally abundant in the Central United States.
Interesting Facts
The Brown Recluse can go up to six months without food. Unlike most spiders, they are known to scavenge on insects that are already dead.
Photography Tips
A clear, overhead shot of the cephalothorax is essential to see the violin marking. A macro shot of the face to confirm the six-eye pattern is the definitive way to prove identity.
Identified: 2026-05-30T16:16:18.060601