A medium-sized brown spider with violin-shaped marking on body. Medically significant — bites can cause severe necrotic lesions.

Also called: Brown Recluse

Native status: Native; central and southern US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 6–20 mm
Weight~50 mg
LifespanWild 1–2 years; captive 3+
OrderAraneae
FamilySicariidae

§ Encyclopedia

The brown recluse is a recluse spider with necrotic venom. Similar to those of other recluse spiders, their bites sometimes require medical attention. The brown recluse is one of two spiders in North America with dangerous venom, the other being the black widow.

Source: Wikipedia — Brown recluse spider Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium brown spider with distinctive violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax.

Similar species. Other Loxosceles species (different ranges).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small insects.

Behavior. Builds irregular tangle webs in dark sheltered locations. Bites only when pressed against skin.

§ Range

Central and southern US

§ Habitat

Sheltered indoor and outdoor locations

§ Threats

Pesticide spraying, fear-driven killing.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the brown recluse spider is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't reach blindly into stored items. Skip pesticides.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Arachnological Society
  • CDC
  • iNaturalist