What are Brown Recluse Spiders?
Brown recluse spiders, as their name implies, are a species that likes to be hidden. Brown recluse spiders are distinguished by a distinctive, dark, violin-shaped marking on the dorsum. This is usually found in the cephalothorax which is either yellowish-brown or light brown. This distinctive violin pattern is directed towards the abdomen by the neck. Brown recluses are often known as fiddleback spiders because of this marking. This marking is most prominent on older spiders.
Brown recluse spiders are able to see six eyes instead of the usual eight.
Habitat & Behavior
Brown recluse spiders live in the same dark, protected places as black widows. They can be found in basements, barns, and homes. They are often found near ground level and appear disorganized. Because the spider is a hunter and not a trapper, webs are often built near ground level. The central part of the United States that houses the brown recluse can be found is the southernmost part of Texas, Florida and Texas.
Bites
Brown recluse spiders are timid and will not bite unless provoked. Bite are usually not noticed until the effects start to manifest several hours later. Although most bites are temporary and disappear, in rare cases necrosis or tissue injury can occur. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult a medical professional.
Reproduction of Brown Recluse
Brown Recluse Eggs
One to five eggs can be produced by female brown recluses, which can have 31-300 eggs. Eggs hatch within a month. The average time it takes to develop from egg into adult is about a year.
Adult Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders, especially young ones, are slow to mature and can reach maturity in 10 to 12 months. The environment and food they eat can influence their development. Brown recluses can survive for long periods of time without food and water.
Additional Information
Urban myths claim that they can be found all over the United States. However, research has shown otherwise. The American South and Midwest are the only places where brown recluse spiders can be found. The brown recluse spider can be relocated in boxes and other items that are moved from its natural range. These are usually isolated events that do not infest an entire area.
Many conditions can be mistakenly referred to as brown recluse spider bites. These include Lyme disease, diabetes ulcers, reactions and medication, and bacterial infections.
Many people mistakenly identify harmless spiders with brown recluses due to fear and misinformation. Due to the distinctive marking on their thorax that resembles a violin, they are often called fiddleback spiders. Brown recluses are uniformly colored, with brown legs and abdomens. Any spider that has distinct patterns or coloration on its legs or abdomen is not considered a brown recluse.
