Brown Recluse Spider
Scientific Name: 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.
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.
Identified on: 6/25/2026