Brown Recluse, Fiddleback Spider, Violin Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sicariid Spiders), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) and cytotoxic venom.
Physical Description
Flattened, medium-sized spider with a smooth, fine-haired carapace and a uniform oval abdomen. The most iconic feature is the dark violin-shaped marking on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax, pointing towards the abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length is approximately 6 to 12 mm (0.25 to 0.5 inches) with a leg span of 2.5 to 3.8 cm (1 to 1.5 inches). This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Uniform pale yellowish-brown to dark brown body with no dark bands, stripes, or spots on the legs. The carapace features a distinct dark brown, violin-shaped mark extending from the eye region backwards.
Web Type
Irregular, sticky, sheet-like retreat web. Webs are not used for aerial prey capture but rather as a daytime hideout and egg-anchoring structure in dark, undisturbed areas.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle pattern: one median pair and two lateral pairs. This differs from the standard eight eyes found in most other spiders.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs that are uniformly colored brown or tan without distinct dark bands, spines, or bold patterns. Covered in fine, short hairs.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains sphingomyelinase D, a potent cytotoxic and necrotic toxin capable of causing tissue destruction, local cell death, and slow-healing necrotic lesions (loxoscelism).
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites result in minor localized redness and swelling, but severe cases develop necrotic skin ulcers and require medical attention. Severe systemic reactions are rare.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out clothing, shoes, and bedding in areas where recluses are known. Use sticky traps for monitoring. Seek medical attention if bitten and experience worsening pain, blistering, or skin discoloration.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Native to the central and southeastern United States. Commonly found indoors in dark, undisturbed locations such as attics, basements, closets, behind furniture, inside cardboard boxes, and within unused clothing or shoes.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive, non-aggressive, and nocturnal. Prefers to flee or hide rather than bite, usually biting only when pressed directly against human skin.
Diet & Prey
Active nocturnal hunter feeding on small insects such as silverfish, cockroaches, crickets, and other small arthropods.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late spring through autumn when temperatures are warm, though indoor populations remain active year-round.
Description
The Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is a secretive, nocturnal spider widely known for its medically significant venom. Identified by its uniform coloration, long legs, six eyes in three pairs, and characteristic violin-shaped carapace marking, it avoids human interaction whenever possible.
Key Features
Dark violin-shaped mark on the carapace, six eyes arranged in three pairs, uniformly colored legs lacking spines or bands, and a smooth greyish-brown to tan abdomen.
Similar Species
Southern House Spider (Kukulcania hibernalis), Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae), Spitting Spiders (Scytodidae), and Huntsman Spiders. Distinguished by eye count (6 vs 8) and leg markings.
Life Cycle
Females construct off-white, silken egg sacs in secluded areas containing 40 to 50 eggs each. Spiderlings emerge and mature over 1 to 2 years, with adults living up to 2 to 4 years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important natural pest controller in indoor and shelter ecosystems, preying on household insects like silverfish and cockroaches.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated (NE) by the IUCN. Abundant within its native range and highly adapted to human dwellings.
Interesting Facts
Brown Recluses can survive for months without food or water. Their venom causes tissue damage through an enzymatic mechanism that breaks down cell membranes.
Photography Tips
Focus closely on the dorsal carapace to capture the violin marking clearly, as well as the eye cluster arrangement from an overhead angle.
Identified: 2026-07-25T07:00:09.434458