Brown Spiders

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Loxosceles: /lɒkˈsɒsɪliːz/

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Summary

Loxosceles is a genus of venomous spiders commonly referred to as recluse or brown spiders. Known for their shy nature, they are often misidentified and feared due to their potential medical implications.

Physical Characteristics

Body length 6 - 12 mm, brownish or yellowish coloration, six eyes arranged in three pairs, flat cephalothorax with a lengthwise furrow at the rear, each foot has two claws.

Identification Tips

Identify by the presence of six eyes arranged in a U shape, pairs of eyes that do not touch each other, and a flat cephalothorax. Caution: similar markings may be found in other spider species.

Habitat

Brown spiders are nocturnal and commonly found under bark, stones, and in secluded places, often in human dwellings.

Distribution

Nearly worldwide in warmer areas, with notable populations in the United States, especially in the Midwest, Colorado, New Mexico, and northern Georgia.

Diet

Brown recluse spiders primarily feed on small insects, preferring scavenging to active hunting.

Life Cycle

Members of this genus can live for 1.5 to 2 years and can survive long periods without food or water.

Ecosystem Role

Brown spiders contribute to the control of insect populations by preying on small insects.

Cultural Significance

Often feared and misunderstood, leading to incorrect associations with necrotic wounds.

Health Concerns

Bites can produce symptoms known as loxoscelism, ranging from unremarkable to dermonecrotic reactions. Venom can be cytotoxic and is capable of causing necrotic lesions.

Similar Taxa

• Drymusidae
• Scytodidae
• Periegopidae

Misconceptions

Many skin lesions are mistakenly attributed to recluse bites, which complicates understanding their true medical impact.

Tags

• Loxosceles
• brown recluse
• recluse spiders
• venomous spiders
• arachnology