| Scientific name | Loxosceles reclusa |
|---|---|
| Group | Spiders |
| Size | 6–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Tan |
| Legs | 8 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Basement or garage and Bedroom or bed |
| Most active | Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Health risk |
How to identify it
The brown recluse spider is a medium-sized member of the spiders group. Eight legs, two body sections and silk-spinning organs at the rear. Check for these three features:
- Dark violin-shaped mark pointing toward the abdomen
- Six eyes arranged in three pairs
- Uniform color with no stripes or bands on the legs
About this bug
A tan to brown spider with a dark violin-shaped mark on its back and only six eyes. It hides in boxes, closets and unused clothing in the south-central US.
You'll usually find brown recluse spiders in basements and garages and in bedrooms and beds. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.
Is it dangerous?
Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
Our rating: Health risk, meaning it can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
When you'll see brown recluse spiders
Brown Recluse Spiders are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: basement or garage and bedroom or bed.
About spiders
The brown recluse spider is one of the spiders. Spiders have eight legs, two main body sections and no antennae. Almost all spiders have venom to subdue prey, but only a few have venom that matters to people. Many build webs, while others, such as wolf spiders and jumping spiders, hunt on foot.
Spiders go where their food is. A home with lots of spiders usually has plenty of other insects, so general pest control reduces spiders too.
What to do about it
- Store boxes and clothing in sealed plastic containers
- Shake out shoes, gloves and bedding in infested homes
- Use glue traps along walls and reduce clutter
Read the full guide: how to get rid of brown recluse spiders.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Brown Recluse Spiders are larger, reaching 20 mm, while hobo spiders top out around 14 mm.
Color: Brown Recluse Spiders are brown and tan; southern house spiders are brown, gray and black.
Size: Brown Recluse Spiders are larger, reaching 20 mm, while cellar spiders top out around 10 mm.
Size: Wolf Spiders are larger, reaching 35 mm, while brown recluse spiders top out around 20 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a brown recluse spider look like?
Dark violin-shaped mark pointing toward the abdomen. Adults measure 6–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in).
Does the brown recluse spider bite or sting?
It can bite. It does not sting. Most bites are mild, but some cause a spreading wound that needs medical care.
Where do brown recluse spiders live?
Brown Recluse Spiders live in basements and garages and in bedrooms and beds.
When are brown recluse spiders most active?
Mostly in spring, summer, fall and winter.