Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sand Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a relatively flat cephalothorax and an oval-shaped abdomen. The body has a fine, velvety texture from tiny hairs. It lacks conspicuous spines on the legs and abdominal patterns beyond the base color.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 6-20 mm (1/4 to 3/4 inch). Total leg span is approximately 25-50 mm (1-2 inches). This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly tan to dark brown abdomen without spots or stripes. The cephalothorax features a distinctive dark brown, violin-shaped (fiddle-shaped) marking with the 'neck' of the violin pointing toward the abdomen.
Web Type
They build asymmetrical, messy, off-white or grayish 'tangle' webs. These are used primarily as retreats rather than for trapping prey and are hidden in dark, undisturbed areas.
Eye Arrangement
Highly diagnostic: six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle (one anterior pair and two lateral pairs). Unlike most spiders which have eight eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender, and uniformly colored legs without banding or thick spines. The legs are covered in fine hairs (cilia) and are often held in a flattened, sprawling posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains sphingomyelinase D, a cytotoxic (necrosis-inducing) enzyme. The venom can cause localized tissue destruction and, in rare cases, systemic reactions (loxoscelism).
Medical Significance
Medically significant. Bites may be initially painless but can develop into a necrotic ulcer over several days. Most bites heal without medical intervention, but severe cases require doctor consultation.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out clothing or shoes stored in dark areas before wearing. Use gloves when moving boxes. If bitten, clean the wound, apply ice, and seek medical attention if a sore develops.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Primarily the Central and Southern United States. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed microhabitats like woodpiles, basements, attics, closets, and behind baseboards.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive and non-aggressive; they typically flee from perceived threats. They are nocturnal hunters that leave their web retreats at night to search for food.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on soft-bodied insects like silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches. They are also known scavengers that will eat dead insects.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but sightings peak during the summer mating season (May through August) when males wander in search of mates.
Description
An inconspicuous hunter of the shadows, the Brown Recluse is often more feared than understood. This tan-colored spider is identified by its six eyes and violin-shaped marking. It plays a role in indoor pest control by hunting insects in hidden crevices.
Key Features
Six eyes in three pairs; dark violin marking on the cephalothorax; solid-colored abdomen; lack of thick spines on uniformly colored legs.
Similar Species
Cellar spiders (long thin legs, different body), Wolf spiders (spiny legs, eight eyes), Southern House Spiders (male looks similar but has eight eyes and a different eye cluster).
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing 40-50 eggs each. They are long-lived, often surviving 2 to 4 years. Spiderlings undergo several molts and can survive long periods without food or water.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important predator of common household pests and insects that can damage stored goods or structures.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; stable population. Often considered a synanthrope, thriving in human-altered environments.
Interesting Facts
They are incredibly resilient, capable of surviving up to six months without food or water. Despite their reputation, the majority of bites do not result in significant necrosis.
Photography Tips
Focus on the top of the cephalothorax to capture the violin marking and use a macro lens to attempt to document the three pairs of eyes, which is the definitive ID feature.
Identified: 2026-06-20T13:50:02.861534