
Community identification
Brown Recluse Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
- Order & Family
- Order Araneae, Family Sicariidae
- Size
- Body length ranges from 6 to 20 millimeters.
Natural Habitat
Found in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, woodpiles, and closets.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous predator feeding primarily on small insects captured via erratic, sticky webs.
Behavior Patterns
Noxious nocturnal hunters that retreat when disturbed and rarely bite unless trapped against skin.
Risks & Benefits
Bites can cause severe necrotic skin lesions requiring medical attention, but they help control pest populations.