Bug Identifier
Brown Recluse Spider
Community identification

Brown Recluse Spider

Loxosceles reclusa

Order & Family
Araneae, Sicariidae
Size
6-20 mm (0.24-0.79 inches), with leg span often considerably larger.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found in undisturbed, dark, and dry places. Indoors: closets, attics, basements, crawl spaces, stored items. Outdoors: under rocks, logs, utility boxes.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on small insects and other arthropods.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and reclusive, active at night hunting prey. They do not build extensive webs. Bites typically occur when spiders are pressed against skin, such as when putting on clothes or disturbing stored items where they hide.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risk: Bite can cause necrotic lesions in humans, which can be slow to heal and may require medical attention. Benefits: Controls populations of other household pests.