Brown Recluse Spider

Natural Habitat

Found primarily in the central and southern United States, they prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, basements, closets, and attics.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on soft-bodied insects like flies, moths, and other smaller spiders.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and reclusive, they hunt at night and avoid human contact. They are known for the violin-shaped mark on their cephalothorax.

Risks & Benefits

Possesses necrotic venom that can cause significant skin damage (loxoscelism) in humans, though bites are rare and usually occur when the spider is pressed against skin. They benefit the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

Identified on: 3/24/2026