Buzz
The Brown Recluse Spider, also known as the violin spider, is a venomous arachnid whose bite can cause illness in both children and adults. What makes this spider unique is its six eyes (most spiders have eight) and a violin-shaped marking on its back. If you live in an area where brown recluse spiders are found, learning to identify them is essential. Read on to discover how to recognize this elusive spider.
Steps
Identifying Key Characteristics
Observe the coloration. The Brown Recluse Spider has a body in earthy brown or sandy shades, with a slightly darker marking at the center. It can also range from dark brown to a faint yellowish tone. Its legs are uniformly light brown, devoid of any distinct markings.
- If the spider’s legs have stripes or spots, it is not a brown recluse.
- If there are two additional markings besides the violin shape (which may appear lighter than the abdomen), it is not a brown recluse.
- If the spider’s legs are significantly darker than its body, it is also not a brown recluse. Keep in mind that slight variations in shade can occur.
Look for the violin-shaped marking on its body. This marking is darker brown than the rest of the cephalothorax. However, it may not always be clearly visible.
- Many spider species have similar markings, so this feature alone is not enough to confirm a brown recluse.
- Carefully examine the violin shape’s coloration. If there are additional spots or marks, it is not a brown recluse. However, injuries or sun exposure may alter its appearance.
Count the spider’s eyes. Unlike most spiders, the brown recluse has only six eyes, arranged in pairs: one in the center and one on each side. Since spider eyes are tiny, you may need a magnifying glass to see them. If you count eight eyes, it is not a brown recluse. (Be careful while counting—you wouldn’t want to confirm it has six eyes only to get bitten!)
Observe the spider’s body hair. Brown recluse spiders have fine, short hairs covering their bodies. Unlike some other species, they lack spines on both their body and legs. If you notice spiky hairs, it is definitely not a brown recluse.
Check the spider’s body size. A brown recluse does not grow larger than 1.3 cm in body length. If the spider you’re observing is significantly bigger, it belongs to a different species.
Examining the Brown Recluse Spider’s Habitat
Understand the habitat of the brown recluse spider. This species is primarily found in the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest regions of the United States. If you live outside these areas, encountering a brown recluse is unlikely, though not impossible.
Know where brown recluse spiders like to hide. True to their name, brown recluse spiders prefer undisturbed, secluded spaces. They spin their webs in dry, quiet locations that have remained untouched for some time. Common hiding spots include:
- Decaying tree bark
- Attics
- Basements
- Closets
- Storage sheds
- Tents
- Woodpiles
- Shoes
- Wardrobes
- Bathrooms
- Cardboard boxes
- Behind wall hangings
- Unused beds
Examine the brown recluse’s web. Their webs are loose, sticky, and off-white or slightly grayish. Unlike orb-weaving spiders, brown recluse spiders do not spin symmetrical webs between trees or walls.
Identifying a Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Pay attention to how the bite feels. A brown recluse bite is often painless at first, meaning you may not even notice it for up to eight hours. After this period, the affected area becomes red, swollen, and painful.
Recognize additional symptoms. In some cases, the bite itself may not be the most severe issue, but children and sensitive individuals may experience other symptoms. Watch for the following signs:
- Chills
- General malaise
- Fever
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
Seek medical attention. The danger of a brown recluse bite lies in its potential to cause severe tissue damage, and in rare cases, it can even lead to coma. Get medical help immediately if you suspect a brown recluse bite. Children and the elderly require urgent medical care, as they are at the highest risk of severe reactions. While waiting for treatment, you can take the following first-aid steps:
- Clean the wound with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack directly to the bite for 10 minutes, then remove it for another 10 minutes.
- Repeat this process until you receive medical assistance.
Tips
- Shake out stored seasonal clothing, shoes, or any items kept in dark places before wearing or using them.
- Brown recluse spiders typically enter homes through vents, door gaps, and beneath wooden panels. Seal these openings and regularly vacuum or remove insect carcasses to eliminate potential food sources.
- These spiders are rarely seen during the daytime.
- Brown recluse spiders have a lifespan of 2–4 years and commonly prey on geckos, crickets, centipedes, and wolf spiders.
Warnings
- If you live in an area with a high brown recluse population, shake out your bed sheets and blankets before sleeping. Also, check your shoes before putting them on, as these spiders may crawl into them at night.
- Brown recluse spiders are not particularly aggressive; they usually bite only when pressed against the skin—this most often happens while rolling in bed or putting on clothes.
- These spiders cannot bite through fabric, so wearing sturdy gloves and long sleeves is recommended when rummaging through plastic bags, boxes, or other stored items.
