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INTRODUCTION. The brown recluse or fiddleback/violin spider gets its common names from its coloration and reclusive habits, or the dark violin/fiddle-shaped marking on the top of the cephalothorax.  Members of the genus Loxosceles occur in southern Europe, temperate Africa, and in North, Central, and South America.  Brown recluse spiders occur pretty much throughout the United States and of 11 species recognized, 7 are of public health importance.  Recognition of the brown recluse species group is sufficient for PCO purposes.

RECOGNITION. Adults usually about 1/4-1/2in (6-12 mm) in body length (L. leata about 1”/25 mm).  Color tan to dark brown with a darker fiddle-shaped marking on dorsum or top of cephalothorax whose neck points towards abdomen.  Uniquely, with 6 eyes arranged in 3 groups of 2 (diads) in a semicircle.

     Immatures very similar to adults except for being smaller and slightly paler.

HABITS. Outside, brown recluse spiders are typically found around rocks, piles of inner tubes, utility boxes, woodpiles, under bark, etc.  These spiders have been found in such places as outside rodent bait stations and infesting cedar shake roofs.

     Inside the home, they can be found in almost any undisturbed area to which they can gain access.  They are most commonly found in boxes, among papers, and in seldom-used clothing and shoes, although they can be found in corners, underneath tables and chairs, or in crevices such as those found along baseboards, doors, and window moldings.  Hence, storage areas such as closets, bedrooms, attics, crawl spaces, and basements are the areas of greatest occurrence.  They typically run for cover when disturbed.  Bites have been reported to occur when putting on seldom-used clothing or shoes, when cleaning out storage areas, or by rolling on the spider while in bed.

     In commercial buildings, the usual places to find brown recluse spiders include heat tunnels, boiler rooms, attics, basements, storerooms, and garages.

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