Brown Recluse
Loxosceles reclusa
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Sicariidae
- Genus: Loxosceles
- Species: reclusa
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Loxosceles reclusa: /lɒkˈsɒsiliːz rɪˈkluːsə/
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Summary
Loxosceles reclusa, the brown recluse, is a venomous spider known for its distinctive violin shape and necrotic bites. It commonly inhabits dry, secluded areas and is primarily found in the Midwestern and Southern United States. Despite its reputation, actual bites are rare and often go unnoticed.
Physical Characteristics
Body length 8-9 mm (approximately 1/3 inch); six eyes arranged in pairs; uniformly colored legs covered with fine hairs, lacking stripes, banding, or spines; medium-size irregular web with a maze of threads.
Identification Tips
Look for the violin-shaped marking on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax; note the six eyes arranged in dyads, which is unique for recluse spiders; beware of misidentification with other similar species.
Habitat
Prefers dry, undisturbed sites like woodpiles, sheds, closets, garages, and cellars. Often builds webs in cardboard, mimicking rotting tree bark.
Distribution
Native range extends from southeastern Nebraska through southern Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana to southwestern Ohio, with populations from central Texas to western Georgia and north to Kentucky; rarely found outside this area.
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding on insects and other small arthropods.
Life Cycle
Adults live about 1 to 2 years; females produce several egg sacs containing approximately 50 eggs each from May to July; eggs hatch in about one month; spiderlings take about one year to reach adulthood.
Reproduction
Females can produce several egg sacs during the mating season, which occurs from June to September.
Ecosystem Role
Predator of small insects, helping to control pest populations.
Economic Impact
Fear of bites has led to increased extermination efforts; may be misidentified, leading to unnecessary pest control measures.
Cultural Significance
Often sensationalized in media; known for its venomous bite that can cause significant tissue damage.
Health Concerns
Bites can lead to necrosis and loxoscelism, with symptoms ranging from localized reactions to systemic effects; most bites are minor but can occasionally require medical attention.
Evolution
Part of the haplogynae group, which limits their ability to disperse widely compared to other arachnids.
Misconceptions
Misidentified as threats in areas where they do not occur; many supposed encounters with brown recluses are actually other harmless spider species or misdiagnoses of wounds.
Tags
- brown recluse
- Loxosceles reclusa
- arachnology
- venomous spiders
- pest control