Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddle-back Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sicarid 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, velvety hairs. It is most famous for the dark, violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax. Unlike many spiders, it lacks spines on its legs, possessing only fine hairs.
Size Estimate
Body length typically 6-20 mm (1/4 to 3/4 inch); leg span can reach the size of a U.S. quarter to a half-dollar (approx. 25-40 mm).
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly light tan to dark brown body and legs with no banding or stripes. The identifying mark is a dark brown or black 'violin' shape on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen.
Web Type
They build asymmetrical, messy, bluish-white or grayish 'tangle' webs. These are not used for catching prey but as retreats or egg-laying sites, typically tucked into dark, undisturbed corners or under rocks.
Eye Arrangement
Highly diagnostic: they have only six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle, rather than the eight eyes common to most spiders.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs held at a relatively flat angle. They lack thick spines (macrosetae) and instead have a fine, uniform coating of hairs. The legs are monochromatic, matching the body color without any rings or spots.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains sphingomyelinase D, a potent dermonecrotic enzyme that destroys cell membranes and blood vessels, potentially leading to tissue death (necrosis).
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Most bites are minor, but a small percentage result in significant skin necrosis (loxoscelism) or, rarely, systemic reactions (visceral loxoscelism). Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out clothing or shoes that have been stored for a while. Wear gloves when moving woodpiles or rocks. If bitten, clean the area with soap and water, apply ice, and seek medical evaluation.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Native to the Midwestern and South-Central United States. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed microhabitats such as woodpiles, under rocks, in crawlspaces, attics, and inside closets or behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
As the name 'recluse' suggests, they are shy and non-aggressive. They are nocturnal hunters that leave their retreats at night to search for food. Bites typically occur only when the spider is pressed against skin, such as inside clothing or bedding.
Diet & Prey
Opportunistic hunters that scavenge dead insects or actively hunt soft-bodied insects like crickets, cockroaches, and silverfish. They use a powerful necrotic venom to subdue prey quickly.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but outdoor activity peaks from spring through autumn. Mating typically occurs in the summer months.
Description
The Brown Recluse is one of the most misunderstood spiders in North America. While its necrotic venom is potent, the spider is reclusive and avoids human contact. It is easily identified by its unique six-eye pattern and violin-like marking, though it is frequently confused with many harmless brown spiders.
Key Features
Six eyes in three pairs; dark violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax; uniformly colored legs (no bands); found in dark, dry locations.
Similar Species
Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae) have long legs but different eye patterns; Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) have eight eyes and stripes; Kukulcania hibernalis (Southern House Spider) often has a similar violin shape but has eight eyes and a different body texture.
Life Cycle
Females produce one to five egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. Spiderlings reach maturity in about a year and can live for 1 to 2 years in the wild, though much longer in laboratory settings.
Ecological Importance
Plays a vital role as a predator and scavenger, controlling populations of household pests like cockroaches and silverfish.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN; they are common and widespread within their native range and show no signs of decline.
Interesting Facts
The Brown Recluse is incredibly resilient and can survive for months without food or water. Despite their reputation, many people live in infested homes for years without ever being bitten.
Photography Tips
Focus on the 'violin' mark on the head and try to get a clear macro shot of the eye arrangement (the three pairs of eyes) for a definitive identification.
User Notes
Found under rock
Identified: 2026-06-27T00:06:24.340925