Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sand Spiders and Recluse Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A small-to-medium spider with a distinct flat cephalothorax and an oval-shaped, velvety abdomen covered in fine hairs. It is known for its slender, long-tapered legs and a lack of spines on the legs (though it has fine hairs).
Size Estimate
Body length 6-20 mm; leg span approximately 25-50 mm. The specimen in the image appears to be a smaller individual, possibly a juvenile.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly tan to dark brown abdomen with no stripes or bands. The cephalothorax features a dark, violin-shaped (fiddle) marking pointing toward the abdomen. Legs are uniformly colored without banding.
Web Type
Irregular, sticky, grayish-white retreat webs. They do not build orb webs; they hunt at night and use webs primarily as retreats in dark, undisturbed areas.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle. This is a primary diagnostic feature, as most spiders have eight eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Long, thin, and smooth-looking legs that lack thick spines (macrosetae). They are held in a somewhat sprawling posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Cytotoxic (necrotic) venom containing the enzyme sphingomyelinase D, which destroys cell membranes and can cause tissue death.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites result in minor redness, but a small percentage develop a necrotic ulcer or systemic symptoms (loxoscelism). Fatalities are extremely rare but medical consultation is advised for suspected bites.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out shoes and clothing stored in dark areas. Wear gloves when moving wood or cardboard boxes. If bitten, apply ice, elevate the area, and seek medical attention if a lesion develops.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found in the Central and Southern United States (from Nebraska to Texas and east to Georgia). They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, basements, closets, and behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive and non-aggressive. They typically only bite when pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding). They are nocturnal hunters that roam for prey at night.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on small insects such as silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches. They can survive for long periods without food or water.
Seasonal Activity
Most active from spring through fall. In winter, they remain dormant in insulated wall voids or basement corners.
Description
The Brown Recluse is a misunderstood spider frequently found in homes within its range. While its venom can cause skin lesions, it is a shy creature that avoids human contact at all costs. It is easily identified by its six eyes and violin-shaped marking.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax, six eyes in three pairs, uniformly colored legs without bands/spines, and a plain abdomen.
Similar Species
Spitting Spiders (Scytodidae) which also have six eyes but have patterned legs; Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) which have eight eyes and thick spines; Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae) which have much longer, thinner legs.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. They can live for 1-2 years in the wild and longer in laboratory settings. They molting through several instars to reach maturity.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important predator for household pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and moths, helping to regulate insect populations within structures.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; populations are stable and common throughout their native range.
Interesting Facts
The Brown Recluse is one of the most resilient spiders; it can survive for six months without food and is highly resistant to many standard household pesticides.
Photography Tips
A macro shot focusing on the top of the cephalothorax to show the violin mark and the front of the face to count the eyes is necessary for a definitive ID.
Identified: 2026-05-26T00:29:58.229392