Bug Identifier
Brown Recluse Spider
Community identification

Brown Recluse Spider

Loxosceles reclusa

Order & Family
Order Araneae, Family Sicariidae
Size
6 to 20 millimeters (1/4 to 3/4 inch) body length, with a leg span of about 1 to 1.5 inches.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in undisturbed areas such as attics, basements, closets, woodpiles, and behind furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous, primarily preying on soft-bodied insects like silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal hunters that do not use webs to catch prey; they are known for their reclusive nature and fiddle-shaped marking.

Risks & Benefits

High risk to humans; venom is necrotic and can cause significant tissue damage. Benefits include controlling indoor pest populations.