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This potentially dangerous spider is in fact quite shy (a real recluse) and normally bites humans only when accidentally trapped against the skin. It often bears a fiddle-like marking, but is best identified by its characteristic eye pattern (three paired lens). Unfortunately, many similar beneficial spiders are mistakenly killed.

brown recluse spider on a white background

Did You Know?

The brown recluse spider is nicknamed the fiddleback or violin spider because of the distinctive dark violin-shaped marking on top of the body.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Loxosceles reclusa

Range:
Southern United States

Habitat:
Dry areas

Lifespan:
More than 1 year

Zoo Location:
World of the Insect

Diet:
Small insects