Brown Recluse, Fiddleback 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 is covered in fine, short hairs giving it a velvety texture. It lacks any spines on the legs. Sexual dimorphism is present; females have larger abdomens, while males have longer legs and bulbous pedipalps.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 6-20mm (1/4 to 3/4 inch), with a leg span of approximately 25-50mm (1 to 2 inches). The specimen in the image appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Generally light to medium brown or tan. The most defining marking is a dark brown, violin-shaped (fiddle) pattern on the cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin pointing towards the abdomen. The abdomen is uniformly colored with no spots, stripes, or patterns.
Web Type
Builds irregular, asymmetrical 'tangle' webs. These webs are not for catching prey but serve as a retreat or egg sac storage. They are typically hidden in dark, undisturbed corners.
Eye Arrangement
Highly diagnostic: six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle. Most spiders have eight eyes. This feature is the most reliable way to confirm the genus Loxosceles.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender, and monochromatic. They do not have bands or stripes. The legs are held at a somewhat flattened angle and lack the thick bristles/spines seen on many other common spiders.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a rare protein called phospholipase D (sphingomyelinase D), which is hemotoxic and necrotic. It can cause localized tissue death at the site of the bite.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. While most bites result in minor redness, some cause necrotic skin lesions (loxoscelism). Systemic reactions are rare but serious. Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected and keep the specimen for ID.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out clothing/shoes kept in dark closets; pull beds away from walls; use sticky traps for monitoring; do not handle with bare hands. Use a glass and paper for relocation if necessary.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common through the South-Central United States, including Tennessee. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, basements, woodpiles, and behind baseboards.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive, nocturnal, and non-aggressive. They typically run for cover when disturbed. Bites usually occur defensively when the spider is pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding).
Diet & Prey
Active hunters that leave their web at night to scavenge or hunt for small insects like silverfish, cockroaches, and crickets. They use potent venom to subdue prey quickly.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but most sightings occur between March and October when males roam in search of mates.
Description
The Brown Recluse is a misunderstood yet medically significant spider common in the American Midwest and Southeast. Unlike the aggressive reputation they often carry, they are shy creatures that spend most of their lives tucked away in dark crevices. They are easily identified by the violin-shaped mark on their back and their unique six-eye arrangement, distinguishing them from harmless house spiders.
Key Features
Violin-shaped mark on cephalothorax, six eyes in three pairs, uniformly colored legs without spines, and a solid-colored abdomen.
Similar Species
Often confused with Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae), which have much thinner legs, or Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae), which are hairier and patterned. Kukulcania hibernalis (Southern House Spider) is a very frequent look-alike but lacks the six-eye pattern.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs per year. Spiderlings molting occurs through 5-8 stages before maturity. They are long-lived for spiders, often reaching 2 to 4 years of age.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a natural pest control agent within homes and structures, feeding on invasive and nuisance insects that might otherwise thrive in dark, indoor environments.
Conservation Status
Not listed by IUCN; populations are stable and common throughout their native range.
Interesting Facts
The Brown Recluse is highly resilient and can survive for months without food or water. Despite their reputation, many households in endemic areas host large populations of these spiders for years without a single bite occurring.
Photography Tips
A clear top-down shot of the cephalothorax (the front body segment) is essential to see the violin mark and eye arrangement. Macro mode is highly recommended.
User Notes
Closet. Middle Tennessee
Identified: 2026-07-18T19:56:16.255471