Brown Recluse Spider

Natural Habitat

Brown recluse spiders are found in secluded, undisturbed areas. Outdoors, they might be found under rocks, logs, or in woodpiles. Indoors, they often inhabit closets, attics, basements, crawl spaces, stored boxes, behind furniture, and inside walls. They prefer dry, warm environments.

Diet & Feeding

The brown recluse primarily preys on small insects and other arthropods, such as crickets, cockroaches, and other spiders. They do not use their webs to ensnare prey but rather hunt actively at night.

Behavior Patterns

Brown recluse spiders are nocturnal and reclusive, preferring dark, undisturbed areas. They are not aggressive and typically bite only when pressed against skin, such as when tangled in clothes or bedding. They build irregular, messy webs often in hidden locations, used more as a retreat than for catching prey. They are known for their ability to survive long periods without food or water.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include a bite that can cause necrotic lesions in humans. The bite is often initially painless, but over several hours, it can develop into a blister, then a deep, ulcerative wound that heals slowly and can leave a scar. In rare cases, systemic reactions can occur. Benefits to the ecosystem include controlling populations of undesirable insects.

Identified on: 8/24/2025