Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback 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. These spiders lack thick spines on their legs and have a characteristic pear-shaped or fiddle-shaped marking on the carapace.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length is 8-12mm (approx. 3/8 inch) with a leg span of about 25-30mm (1 to 1.5 inches). This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly light tan to dark brown body with no stripes or bands on the legs. The most diagnostic feature is the dark brown 'violin' or 'fiddle' marking on the light-colored cephalothorax, with the neck of the fiddle pointing toward the abdomen.
Web Type
Does not build symmetric orb webs; instead, it creates irregular, 'messy' retreat webs made of off-white or grayish silk, usually tucked into dark, undisturbed corners or crevices.
Eye Arrangement
Distinctive arrangement of six eyes (rather than the usual eight) organized into three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle: one median pair and two lateral pairs.
Leg Characteristics
The legs are long, slender, and uniformly colored without any patterns or bands. They have a smooth appearance since they lack the heavy, conspicuous spines found on many other spiders 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 site of the bite.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. While most bites result only in minor swelling/redness, some can develop into a necrotizing ulcer. Systemic reactions (loxoscelism) are rare but serious. Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out clothing/shoes left on floors. Pull beds away from walls. Use sticky traps for monitoring. If relocating, use a jar and stiff paper—do not handle with bare hands. Clean up clutter in storage areas.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common in the South/Central United States including Alabama. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed areas such as closets, basements, attics, woodpiles, and behind baseboards—including bathrooms where they may seek moisture.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive and shy by nature, as the name suggests. They are nocturnal hunters that wander at night to find prey. They are not aggressive and typically only bite when pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding).
Diet & Prey
Primary diet consists of small insects like silverfish, cockroaches, and crickets. They are active hunters that subdue prey with potent venom rather than using a web to snare it.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but most sightings occur between March and October when temperatures are warmer and mating activity increases.
Description
An inconspicuous but medically significant hunter found frequently in human dwellings across the American South. Known for its 'violin' marking and preference for dark solitude, it is a common inhabitant of Alabama homes.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax, six eyes in three pairs, uniformly colored legs with no spines or bands, and a tan to chocolate brown coloration.
Similar Species
Often confused with Southern House Spiders (Kukulcania hibernalis), Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae), or Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae). The Brown Recluse is distinguished by its 6 eyes and lack of leg stripes.
Life Cycle
Females produce several egg sacs in summer, each containing about 50 eggs. Spiderlings take about a year to reach maturity. Adults are long-lived for spiders, surviving 2-4 years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective predator of common household pests and indoor insects, helping to naturally regulate populations of cockroaches and silverfish.
Conservation Status
Not listed by IUCN; stable and common throughout its native range in the United States.
Interesting Facts
The Brown Recluse can go months without food or water. Despite their fearsome reputation, they are quite timid and bites often occur when a human accidentally puts on clothes where a spider is hiding.
Photography Tips
Focus on the 'head' (cephalothorax) to clearly capture the violin marking and eye arrangement. Use a macro lens or high-resolution zoom while maintaining a safe distance.
User Notes
Found on bathroom floor in mobile alabama
Identified: 2026-07-18T03:17:33.863606