BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER (Loxosceles reclusa)

Biology

• Color varies from yellowish to light tan to dark brown.
• A dark brown violin marking can be found on the cephalothorax.
• Six eyes are situated in 3 groups of 2 in a semicircle pattern
• Body length can range from ¼ to ½ inch long with long thin legs each with two tarsal claws.

Distribution/Habits

• Natural infestations occur in outdoor situations where spiders live in piles of debris.
• They have adapted well to indoor habitats and are commonly found in storage areas, crawl spaces and other dark recesses.
• They seem to prefer layered situations like stacks of clutter.
• They are nocturnal spiders that feed on soft-bodied insect species.
• Females retreat to an irregularly spun off-white web in undisturbed areas. These webs are not designed to entangle prey.
• Bites occur when the spider is hiding and accidentally becomes trapped against the skin. The venom associated with the bite causes great discomfort to humans.