# Brown Recluse Spider (*Loxosceles reclusa*)

> The brown recluse is a small venomous spider named for a violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax and its shy, reclusive habits. Found mainly in the central and southern United States, it bites rarely but can cause necrotic skin lesions. Adults are 6–20 mm long and listed Not Evaluated by IUCN.

- **Category:** Invertebrate
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Not Evaluated
- **Range:** South-central United States from Nebraska and Iowa south to Texas and Georgia — rarely found outside this native range despite frequent misidentifications elsewhere.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/brown-recluse-spider/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Arachnida
- **Order:** Araneae
- **Family:** Sicariidae
- **Genus:** Loxosceles

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Loxosceles reclusa |
| Diet | Carnivore — insects and other small arthropods |
| Habitat | Dark undisturbed spaces — attics, closets, sheds, and woodpiles |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years; slow-growing and long-lived for a spider |
| Weight | 0.5–1 g (0.0005–0.001 kg) |
| Top speed | Quick short bursts when threatened; otherwise sedentary |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated (IUCN) |

## Reclusive habits

Brown recluses avoid open spaces and daylight, spinning irregular webs in undisturbed corners rather than catching prey in orb webs. They hunt small insects at night and tolerate crowding — dozens may share a hidden void in infested buildings.

## Violin marking and identification

The dark violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax helps identification, though similar marks occur on harmless species. Six eyes in three pairs (most spiders have eight) is a diagnostic feature. Misidentification is common outside their native range.

## Venom and necrosis

Bites occur when spiders are trapped against skin in clothing or bedding — they do not chase people. Venom contains enzymes that can cause necrotic wounds in some victims, though many bites heal without serious tissue damage. Medical attention is advised for suspected bites.

## Geographic limits and myths

Brown recluses are native to the south-central United States and rarely found outside this range despite frequent misidentifications elsewhere. Not Evaluated by IUCN. Reducing clutter, shaking out stored clothing, and sealing entry points limit indoor encounters.

## Frequently asked questions

### Are brown recluse bites deadly?

Death is extremely rare. Most bites cause mild irritation; some develop necrotic ulcers requiring medical care. Many suspected bites are misdiagnosed.

### Where do brown recluse spiders live?

South-central United States from Nebraska to Georgia and Texas — not on the West Coast or Northeast despite common misidentifications.

### How do you identify a brown recluse?

Uniform brown colour, violin mark on the back, six eyes in three pairs, and no stripes on the legs. Professional identification is recommended.

### Do brown recluse spiders jump?

No — they run briefly when disturbed but do not jump or actively attack people.

### How do you prevent brown recluse bites?

Shake out shoes and stored clothing, reduce clutter in garages and attics, use sticky traps in infested buildings, and seal cracks where spiders enter.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Loxosceles reclusa.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Loxosceles%20reclusa&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Loxosceles reclusa. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Loxosceles_reclusa/)
- [Wikipedia — Brown Recluse Spider.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_recluse_spider)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/brown-recluse-spider/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.