Brown Recluse Spider
ExploreInsects
Brown Recluse Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
The Brown Recluse Spider is a special spider with a violin-shaped mark on its back. They like to keep to themselves, hiding in quiet spots.
Habitat: Dark corners of homes and buildings
Appearance
The Brown Recluse Spider has a distinctive violin-shaped mark on its back, giving it a unique look. Its body is uniformly light to dark brown with long, slender legs and lacks any patterns on its abdomen. It also possesses six eyes arranged in three pairs instead of the typical eight.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilySicariidaeGenusLoxosceles
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
4/5 · High
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Brown Recluse spiders have only six eyes, arranged in pairs, unlike most spiders with eight!
The "recluse" in their name means shy, as they prefer to hide in dark, undisturbed places.
They are amazing survivors, able to live over six months without a single meal or drop of water.
They are primarily found in a limited region of the central and southern United States.
Special abilities
Ability
Necrotic Venom
Brown Recluse Spider has powerful venom that helps them subdue prey and provides a strong defense mechanism.
Ability
Hidden Retreat Builder
Brown Recluse Spider can spin irregular silk webs that help them create secluded hiding spots and ambushing platforms.
Ability
Low Metabolism Survival
Brown Recluse Spider can survive for many months without food or water because of its incredibly low metabolic rate.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 6-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-730 days
- Leg Count
- 8
Diet & Feeding
Brown Recluse Spiders are nocturnal hunters that eat small insects and other arthropods.
Primary Foods
- cockroaches
- crickets
- silverfish
- moths
- beetles
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
German Cockroach
Blattella germanica
A common indoor insect prey.
eats
Fall Field Cricket
Gryllus pennsylvanicus
A common outdoor insect prey.
eaten by
Spitting Spider
Scytodes thoracica
Known to prey on other spiders.
eaten by
Striped Bark Scorpion
Centruroides vittatus
Hunts various small arthropods, including spiders.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Web Builder
This trait characterizes organisms that construct elaborate silken webs for catching prey, shelter, or reproduction.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Also known as
Fiddleback SpiderViolin Spider
Collections
Safety
Danger
4/5 · High
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Brown Recluse Spider?
6-20 mm
How long does Brown Recluse Spider live?
365-730 days
What does Brown Recluse Spider eat?
Brown Recluse Spiders are nocturnal hunters that eat small insects and other arthropods.
Where is Brown Recluse Spider usually found?
Dark corners of homes and buildings
How does Brown Recluse Spider hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Brown Recluse Spider have?
8
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