Brown Recluse, Violin Spider, Fiddleback Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Sicariidae (Six-eyed Sand Spiders), Order Araneae. Characterized by having six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads).
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a relatively flat cephalothorax and an oval-shaped, finely haired abdomen. The body appears smooth but is covered in very fine, short hairs giving it a velvety texture. This specimen shows the classic pear-shaped abdomen and distinct cephalothorax separation.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 6-20mm. Based on the spoon handle scale, this adult specimen appears to be approximately 10-12mm in body length with a leg span that would reach 25-30mm if fully extended.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly light to medium brown/tan abdomen with no stripes or mottling. The cephalothorax features a distinct, darker brown 'violin' or 'fiddle' shape, with the 'neck' of the violin pointing toward the abdomen.
Web Type
Irregular, sticky, off-white/grayish tangle webs. Usually built in undisturbed, dark locations like closets, basements, or woodpiles. They do not use webs to catch flying prey but as a retreat.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle: one median pair and two lateral pairs. This is a primary diagnostic feature used to distinguish them from most other eight-eyed spiders.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender, and uniformly colored legs without thick spines or bands. The legs are covered in fine hairs (setae). Note the posture in the image; the legs are relatively thin compared to the body mass.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Cytotoxic (necrotic) venom containing the enzyme sphingomyelinase D, which can cause skin tissue destruction (necrosis) in some humans.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. While most bites result in a small red mark that heals, a minority can cause necrotic lesions or systemic 'loxoscelism.' Seek medical attention if a bite is suspected.
Safety Recommendations
Shake out shoes and clothing left on the floor; wear gloves when handling stored boxes or woodpiles; use glue traps for monitoring; do not handle with bare hands.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found in the Central and Midwestern United States. They prefer dark, dry, undisturbed areas such as behind furniture, in storage boxes, attics, and rock piles.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive, nocturnal, and non-aggressive. They typically only bite when pressed against skin (e.g., inside clothing or bedding). They are active hunters that leave their webs at night to forage.
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on soft-bodied insects like silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches. They utilize a 'sit-and-wait' or active scavenge strategy and use their potent venom to quickly subdue prey.
Seasonal Activity
Most active from spring through autumn. During winter, they remain largely inactive in protected crevices unless the interior environment is consistently warm.
Description
The Brown Recluse is one of the few spiders in North America with medically significant venom. It is a shy, unassuming spider that avoids light and human interaction whenever possible, often hiding in the shadows of human habitations.
Key Features
Dark violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax, six eyes in three pairs, uniformly colored abdomen and legs (no stripes/spots), and long slender legs.
Similar Species
Kukulcania hibernalis (Southern House Spider) often confused but has 8 eyes; Tegenaria species (Hobo Spiders) have mottled abdomens; Dysdera crocata (Woodlouse Hunter) has large chelicerae.
Life Cycle
Females produce 1-5 egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. Spiderlings molt several times over a year to reach maturity. Adults can live 1-2 years in the wild, longer in captivity.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important predator of indoor pests like cockroaches and silverfish, helping to maintain a balance of insect populations in urban and suburban environments.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; population is stable and common throughout its native range in the United States.
Interesting Facts
The Brown Recluse is remarkably resilient and can survive for months without food or water. Despite their reputation, they are responsible for far fewer medically confirmed bites than common myths suggest.
Photography Tips
A clear, well-lit macro shot of the 'violin' marking on the cephalothorax and a front-on view of the eye arrangement are the most critical for positive identification.
Identified: 2026-05-21T01:50:15.245891