Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sicariid Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a distinctive flattened, pear-shaped cephalothorax and an oval-shaped abdomen. The body is relatively smooth with very fine hairs, giving it a velvety appearance. It lacks thick spines on the legs, having only fine hairs.
Size Estimate
The specimen appears to be an adult with a body length of approximately 6-12mm (1/4 to 1/2 inch) and a leg span totaling about 25-30mm (roughly the size of a U.S. quarter).
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly light to medium brown/tan body and legs. The most diagnostic marking is a dark brown, violin-shaped pattern on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen. The abdomen is typically monochromatic with no spots or stripes.
Web Type
Builds irregular, asymmetric 'tangle' webs made of whitish, sticky silk. These are usually hidden in dark, undisturbed areas rather than out in the open. It is a hunting spider that uses its web primarily for retreat rather than prey capture.
Eye Arrangement
Uniquely possesses six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semicircle, whereas most spiders have eight eyes. One pair is anterior median, and two pairs are lateral.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs that are held in a somewhat flattened, sprawling posture. They are uniformly colored without banding or contrasting rings, and lack prominent spines.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a complex hemotoxic venom containing the enzyme sphingomyelinase D. This can cause dermonecrosis (tissue death) and, in rare cases, systemic reactions (loxoscelism).
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites result in minor redness and heal without scarring. However, some can develop into a necrotic ulcer. Severe systemic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention, especially in children or the elderly.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out shoes and clothing left on the floor. Wear gloves when handling cardboard boxes or woodpiles in endemic areas. To relocate, use the 'cup and paper' method at a distance, or use sticky traps for monitoring infestations.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily found in the Central and Midwestern United States. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed microhabitats such as woodpiles, sheds, basements, closets, and behind furniture or inside cardboard boxes.
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, bedding, or shoes.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on various insects like silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches. They are known to scavenge on recently dead insects, which is unusual for spiders.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but wandering behavior (especially by males looking for mates) peaks from early spring through summer.
Description
The Brown Recluse is one of the few medically significant spiders in North America. Identifiable by its 'violin' marking and six-eye arrangement, it is a secretive inhabitant of human structures. While feared, it is shy and rarely encounters humans unless disturbed in its hiding places.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax, uniform leg coloration (no bands), six eyes in three pairs, and a lack of thick spines on the legs.
Similar Species
Often confused with Southern House Spiders (Kukulcania hibernalis), Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae), or Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae). These similar species usually have eight eyes, banded legs, or lack the specific violin marking.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs over their lifetime, each containing 30-50 eggs. Spiderlings emerge in about a month. They are long-lived for small spiders, often reaching 2-4 years of age.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural pest control agent within homes and structures by consuming nuisance insects like cockroaches and silverfish.
Conservation Status
Not listed. Populations are stable and they are considered synanthropic, often thriving in human-altered environments.
Interesting Facts
They are remarkably resilient and can survive for many months without food or water. They are also known to be highly resistant to many standard household pesticides.
Photography Tips
A clear, top-down (dorsal) shot of the cephalothorax is essential to see the violin marking. A macro shot of the front of the 'face' to count the six eyes is the definitive way to confirm ID.
Identified: 2026-07-11T16:51:59.042339