Brown
Recluse Spiders
Scientific Name: Loxosceles reclusa
Color: Light to dark brown, with characteristic
dark brown violin marking on back
Legs: Eight
Shape: Round
Size: 5/8"
Antennae: No
Flight: No
Brown recluse spiders have a characteristic dark brown violin marking
on their back. Brown Recluse Spiders can be found in TX, LA, AR,
OK, MO, KS, NE, IA, MO, IL, IN, OH, KY, TN, MS, AL, and GA.
Habits
Brown recluse spiders are nocturnal and eat other bugs like cockroaches
and crickets. Male brown recluse spiders wander farther than females
and will crawl into shoes or other clothing.
Habitat
Brown recluse spiders often live outdoors in debris and wood piles.
They can be found indoors in storage areas and dark recesses.
Threats
Like the black widow spider, the brown recluse spider bites in defense
and does not bite humans instinctively. They will bite humans when
the clothing they are hiding in is worn. The brown recluse spider
bite is painful and can produce an open, ulcerating sore.
Prevention
To avoid brown recluse spiders, avoid keeping clothing on the floor.
Store clothing and shoes inside plastic containers, and shake out
all clothing that has been in a hamper before wearing or washing.
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