Brown Recluse, Fiddle-back Spider, Violin Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sand Spiders and Recluses), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a relatively flat cephalothorax and an oval, finely-haired abdomen. It has a characteristic smooth, non-spiny leg texture and a distinct lack of heavy patterning on the legs.
Size Estimate
Body length 6-20 mm; leg span typically 25-50 mm (roughly the size of a U.S. quarter or half-dollar). This photo appears to be an adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Generally light to medium brown. The most diagnostic feature is the dark brown 'violin' or 'fiddle' shape on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen.
Web Type
Builds irregular, asymmetrical 'tangle' webs. These are usually hidden in undisturbed areas and are composed of whitish or grayish silk that is sticky and 'woolly' in texture.
Eye Arrangement
Consists of six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle: one median pair and two lateral pairs. This is a key identifier as most spiders have eight eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Slender, long legs that are uniform in color without bands or mottling. They lack heavy spines, instead possessing fine hairs (trichobothria) used for sensing vibrations.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a potent cytotoxic (tissue-destroying) venom containing sphingomyelinase D. Most bites result in minor irritation, but a small percentage lead to necrotic skin lesions.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. While rarely fatal, bites can cause systemic loxoscelism (fever, chills) or localized necrosis. Treatment involves cleaning the wound and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out shoes and clothing stored in dark areas. Use glue traps for monitoring. If bitten, apply ice and seek medical evaluation; capture the specimen if possible for ID.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily found in the Central and Midwestern United States. They prefer dark, undisturbed dry areas like woodpiles, sheds, basements, closets, and inside cardboard boxes.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive and non-aggressive. They are nocturnal hunters that leave their webs at night to forage. Most bites occur when the spider is pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding).
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on soft-bodied insects like silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches. They are active hunters that do not rely solely on their webs to snare prey.
Seasonal Activity
Peak activity occurs in the spring and summer months (March through October) during the breeding and foraging season.
Description
The Brown Recluse is one of the most misunderstood and feared spiders in North America. Identifiable by its 'violin' marking and six eyes, it plays a role in controlling indoor insect populations.
Key Features
Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax, six eyes in three pairs, uniform leg color without bands, and fine, velvety hairs on the abdomen.
Similar Species
Often confused with Tegenaria (Hobo Spiders), Kukulcania (Southern House Spiders), and various Wolf Spiders, all of which have eight eyes and different markings.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing roughly 50 eggs each. They are long-lived for spiders, often reaching 1-2 years in the wild or longer in protected environments.
Ecological Importance
Act as natural pest control by preying on household pests like silverfish and moths. They serve as a food source for larger predators like centipedes and birds.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN. They are considered common and stable within their native range, often thriving in human-modified environments.
Interesting Facts
Recluse spiders can survive for months without food or water. They are also known for their 'autotomy,' the ability to drop a leg to escape a predator without bleeding out.
Photography Tips
A macro shot focusing on the top of the 'head' (cephalothorax) to clearly show the eye arrangement and the violin marking is essential for positive identification.
Identified: 2026-07-11T18:41:51.095591