Bug Identifier
Brown Recluse Spider
Community identification

Brown Recluse Spider

Loxosceles reclusa

Order & Family
Order Araneae, Family Sicariidae
Size
Body length ranges from 6 to 20 millimeters.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.