Brown Recluse
Loxosceles reclusa · Spiders & Centipedes
The brown recluse is a shy, night-hunting spider of the south-central and Midwestern U.S. It hides in dark, undisturbed spots indoors, such as closets, boxes, shoes and attics. It is not aggressive. Bites usually happen when a spider is trapped against skin in clothing or bedding. Most bites heal on their own, but some cause a slow-healing sore. It is often blamed for bites it did not cause, especially outside its range.
Look for: Uniformly tan to brown legs and abdomen with no stripes, bands or spines. A dark violin-shaped mark on the front body section, with the violin's neck pointing back. Six eyes in three pairs, which you need a hand lens to see.
Quick facts
| Size | 6-13 mm |
|---|---|
| Legs | 8 |
| Usual colors | brown, tan |
| Where in the home | Bedroom, Bathroom |
| Active | All year |
| Peak | Mar, Apr, May |
| U.S. range | Native to the south-central and Midwestern U.S. (UKY; CDC NIOSH says 'midwestern and southern United States'). Rare outside that range. A spider occasionally arrives in boxes or furniture, but populations seldom become established. It does not live in California, where related recluse species occur only in the southeastern deserts. |
| Bites or stings people | Rarely |
Seasons are typical across much of the U.S. and vary by region.
Peak season Active Typical across much of the U.S.; varies by region.
Often confused with
Wolf SpidersLycosidae (e.g. Hogna carolinensis, Tigrosa aspersa)A large, hairy brown-to-gray spider that runs along floors. Its legs often have lighter bands, and its eyes shine green in a flashlight beam at night. Females may carry spiderlings on their backs.
SpidersAraneae (common U.S. household spiders)Eight legs, two body sections (a front part bearing the legs and a rounded abdomen), and no wings or antennae. Insects have six legs and three body sections.
Sources
Not sure this is your bug? Try the Bug Identifier or ask your local Cooperative Extension office.