Brown Recluse Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
- Order & Family
- Araneae: Sicariidae
- Size
- Commonly between 6 to 20 millimeters (1/4 to 3/4 inch) in body length, but may appear larger with legs extended.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in dark, sheltered areas such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, woodpiles, and inside cardboard boxes or clothing that hasn't been moved for a while.
Diet & Feeding
They are carnivorous predators that feed primarily on insects such as crickets, cockroaches, and silverfish, as well as other spiders.
Behavior Patterns
True to their name, they are reclusive and shy, preferring to hide during the day and hunt at night. They are not aggressive and usually only bite when pressed against the skin (e.g., rolling over in bed or putting on clothes).
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Their venom contains a necrotic toxin (sphingomyelinase D) that can cause significant skin lesions, ulceration, and in rare cases, systemic reactions. Benefits: They help control populations of other household pests.