Brown Recluse Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
Brown recluse spiders get their official name due to their reclusive behavior, but their nickname -- the fiddleback, or violin spider -- more accurately represents the arachnid’s appearance. These spiders can be light or dark brown, and they have a darker marking in the shape of a violin right on their back of their abdomen. They can be ¼” to ½” long, and live in dark and undisturbed places.
Brown recluse spiders bite out of intimidation and fear, which most often occurs when a person accidentally sticks a hand or a foot into the spider’s space. This could happen if you put on a pair of old shoes that you haven’t worn since last season, or go up to the attic to grab something out of a box that’s been sitting for a while. It can take weeks to heal from these bites, making preventative measures a must. Brown recluse spiders are found all over the world. In the US, their habitat ranges from the central Midwest to Nebraska, and from areas of Texas to Georgia. Be careful when moving items that you’ve left in storage, and contact a professional immediately if you suspect you have a brown recluse infestation.
