Brown Recluse Spider, Fiddleback, Violin Spider
Loxosceles reclusa (most likely) or Agelenopsis spp. (alternative)
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sicariids), Order Araneae. Known for having six eyes arranged in pairs and potent necrotic venom.
Physical Description
The spider has a relatively uniform, violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax (though difficult to confirm precisely from the blur), slender legs, and an oval abdomen without prominent patterns. The body appears soft-textured and slightly hairy.
Size Estimate
Body length approximately 6 to 10 millimeters, with a leg span around 20 millimeters. Likely an adult or sub-adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Muted brown to yellowish-tan coloration with minimal distinct markings other than a potentially darker fiddle shape on the dorsal cephalothorax.
Web Type
Irregular, loose retreat webs built in dark, undisturbed areas rather than symmetrical orb webs.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three dyads (pairs) in a semi-circular pattern, characteristic of the Sicariidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, thin, uniformly colored legs lacking prominent spines, bands, or specialized claw tufts, held flat or slightly spread in resting positions.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Cytotoxic venom containing the enzyme sphingomyelinase D, which can cause localized tissue destruction (necrosis) at the site of the bite.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Bites can cause necrotic lesions, pain, and systemic symptoms in rare cases, requiring medical evaluation.
Safety Recommendations
Wear gloves when moving stored items, shake out shoes before wearing, and gently relocate specimens outside using a container if found indoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found primarily in the central and southern United States, inhabiting dark, dry, undisturbed places such as woodpiles, basements, closets, and attics.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive, nocturnal hunter. Non-aggressive, typically biting only when trapped against human skin.
Diet & Prey
Insects such as cockroaches, crickets, and other small arthropods hunted actively at night.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during spring and summer months, though indoor specimens remain active year-round.
Description
A small, reclusive brown spider often found indoors in dark corners, notorious for its violin-shaped marking and medically significant necrotic venom.
Key Features
Six eyes in three pairs, uniform brown coloration, and a potential violin pattern on the cephalothorax.
Similar Species
Male southern house spiders (Kukulcania hibernalis) and cellar spiders (Pholcidae), which are harmless and have different eye arrangements.
Life Cycle
Females produce several egg sacs containing around 50 eggs each during the warmer months. Spiderlings develop through multiple molts, living up to 2-3 years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a natural predator helping control household insect populations.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, highly secure and locally abundant within its range.
Interesting Facts
Brown recluses can survive for months without food or water in extreme environments.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses, gentle and diffused lighting, and keep a safe distance to capture dorsal patterns and eye arrangements clearly.
Identified: 2026-08-22T08:59:27.891957