Brown Recluse Spider, Fiddleback, Violin Spider
Loxosceles reclusa (or similar Loxosceles species)
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sicariid Spiders), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include having six eyes arranged in distinct pairs and the presence of venom glands that produce necrotic toxins.
Physical Description
The spider has a compact, oval-shaped abdomen and a distinct violin-shaped marking on the dorsal cephalothorax. The body appears somewhat smooth and sparsely haired rather than densely fuzzy.
Size Estimate
Body length is estimated around 6 to 10 millimeters, with a leg span of approximately 20 to 25 millimeters, consistent with an adult or sub-adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly light brown to tan body coloration with a darker brown violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax pointing toward the rear. The abdomen is typically a solid tan or grayish color without prominent patterns.
Web Type
Does not build an orb or sheet web for catching prey. Instead, it constructs irregular, sticky retreat webs in dark, undisturbed areas, which serve primarily as daytime shelters.
Eye Arrangement
Uniquely possesses six eyes arranged in three dyads (pairs) forming a semi-circle or triangle shape on the anterior cephalothorax, differing from the typical eight-eyed pattern of most spiders.
Leg Characteristics
Legs are long, slender, and uniformly colored without prominent banding, spines, or contrasting patterns, typically held in a slightly sprawled posture when at rest.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a potent necrotic venom containing the enzyme sphingomyelinase D, which can cause tissue destruction and localized skin lesions.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Bites can result in dermonecrotic lesions, ulceration, and systemic symptoms in rare cases (loxoscelism), requiring medical evaluation and proper wound care.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out shoes and clothing before getting dressed, wear gloves when moving stored items in dark spaces, and carefully relocate indoor spiders using a container and a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found primarily in the central and southern United States. Prefers dark, dry, undisturbed microhabitats such as woodpiles, basements, attics, closets, and behind furniture indoors.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive, nocturnal hunter that actively forages for prey at night. Non-aggressive, biting only when trapped against the skin by clothing or bedding.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on small insects such as cockroaches, crickets, and silverfish, actively hunting them down rather than waiting in a web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during spring and summer months, though indoor specimens remain active year-round in heated buildings.
Description
A small, unassuming brown spider famous for its characteristic violin marking. While shy and reluctant to bite, its presence in human habitations warrants cautious management due to its medically significant necrotic venom.
Key Features
Distinct violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax pointing backward and an unusual eye arrangement consisting of six eyes in three distinct pairs.
Similar Species
Cellar spiders (Pholcidae), grass spiders (Agelenidae), and wolf spiders (Lycosidae). Distinguished by checking for the six-eyed arrangement and the specific violin marking rather than hairy legs or striped patterns.
Life Cycle
Females produce several silk egg sacs containing around 50 eggs each during the warmer months. Spiderlings molt multiple times as they grow, living for one to two years under favorable conditions.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a natural population control agent for household and outdoor insect pests, playing a modest role in the local food web.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure and abundant throughout their native geographic range.
Interesting Facts
Can survive for many months without food or water, and its venom contains unique enzymes specifically evolved to break down mammalian tissue.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with adequate external lighting while maintaining a safe distance. Focus sharply on the dorsal cephalothorax to clearly capture the violin pattern and eye arrangement.
Identified: 2026-08-22T09:04:55.354504