Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Recluse Spiders), Order Araneae. Characterized by having only six eyes arranged in three pairs.
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 texture. This specimen appears slightly shriveled, likely due to dehydration on a glue trap.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length 8-12mm (0.3-0.5 inches) with a leg span of approximately 25-35mm (1-1.5 inches). This is an adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Tan to dark brown overall. The most diagnostic feature is the dark brown 'violin' or 'fiddle' shape on the tan cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen. The abdomen is uniform in color without spots or stripes.
Web Type
Builds irregular, asymmetrical, and grayish-white 'tangle' webs. These are not used for hunting but serve as retreats; they are usually hidden in undisturbed areas.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle: one median pair and two lateral pairs. This distinguishes them from most spiders which have eight eyes.
Leg Characteristics
The legs are long, slender, and monochromatic (no banding). They are covered in fine hairs but lack the large, thick spines seen on many other spider families like wolf spiders.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a potent cytotoxic (cell-destroying) protein called sphingomyelinase D. This can cause necrosis (tissue death) at the bite site.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. While many bites result only in a small red mark, a minority can lead to a necrotic ulcer or more rarely, systemic loxoscelism (fever, chills, organ damage). Bites are often painless initially.
Safety Recommendations
If found, avoid handling. Shake out shoes and clothing stored in dark areas. To relocate, use a jar and stiff paper to trap the spider. Use sticky traps for monitoring. Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected and turns into a spreading purple/black lesion.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily found in the Central and Southern United States. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed locations such as basements, attics, woodpiles, and behind baseboards or inside stored cardboard boxes.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive, shy, and nocturnal. They are active hunters that leave their retreats at night to forage. They are not aggressive and typically only bite when pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding).
Diet & Prey
Feeds on a variety of small insects including crickets, cockroaches, and silverfish. They are known for scavenging dead insects as well as active hunting.
Seasonal Activity
Most active from spring through autumn. During winter, they often remain dormant in wall voids or insulated areas of a home.
Description
The Brown Recluse is one of the most misunderstood and feared spiders in North America. Identifiable by its characteristic violin marking and six-eye arrangement, it is a master of stealth, preferring the quiet corners of human dwellings where it provides natural pest control. Despite their reputation, they prefer flight over fight and coexist with humans frequently without incident.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax, six eyes in three pairs, uniform coloration on the abdomen, and lack of thick spines/bands on the legs.
Similar Species
Cellar spiders (Pholcidae) have much longer legs; Wolf spiders (Lycosidae) have large spines on legs and different eye patterns; Southern House spiders (Kukulcania hibernalis) lack the six-eye pattern.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing roughly 50 eggs each. Spiderlings reach maturity in about one year. Adults are remarkably long-lived for their size, often living 2 to 4 years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a significant predator of common household pests and scavenges dead arthropods, helping to keep ecosystems—including urban ones—balanced.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN. They are considered very common and stable within their native range.
Interesting Facts
Brown Recluses can survive for over six months without food or water. Their venom evolved primarily to help them liquefy and digest insect prey from the inside out.
Photography Tips
Focus on the 'head' area (cephalothorax) to clearly capture the violin marking and the eye arrangement. Use a macro lens if possible and ensure there is enough light to see the lack of leg spines.
Identified: 2026-06-15T01:30:35.465831