How to Identify a Brown Recluse Spider

The Brown Recluse is considered by many to be the most aggressive and deadly spider in North America. The Brown Recluse is also known for being extremely aggressive in nature. Found in the southern United States, the Brown Recluse spans from central Texas to Alabama and as far north as Iowa. Other members of the Recluse family can be found throughout central Texas all the way to southern California. With some exceptions, the Brown Recluse territory does not extend into areas where there are consistently harsh winters.

An adult Brown Recluse will grow to a length of ¾ of an inch. As its name implies the Brown Recluse is light-brown in color. Extending from its head back toward the abdomen is a violin shaped mark which is a darker brown in color. The neck of the violin points toward the spider's abdomen and is present on both the male and female spiders. Unlike most spiders, the Brown Recluse has six eyes rather than 8. These ayes are arranged in pairs, one pair in front and one pair on either side of the head.

The Brown Recluse likes to build its web in quiet areas where it is unlikely to be disturbed. These spiders build loose webs which hold their eggs and are used as a daytime retreat. The spider roams at night in search of food. A Brown Recluse spider can life for up to six months with no food and no water, making it a very tough little creature. This is more amazing when you consider an adult Brown Recluse spider has a life span of 1 to 2 years.

The severity of the Brown Recluse Spider bite depends on how much venom is injected into the bite victim. Some individuals will not be affected at all by the bite while others will have severe symptoms. These symptoms can include a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, itching and a white blister at the bite point. In some victims tissue damage can occur and medical attention should be sought immediately.

There are several ways you can avoid a Brown Recluse bite. Always wear gloves when working outdoors, especially when cleaning up areas such as wood piles or crawl spaces. Shake out you clothing and bedding to make certain no spiders have crawled in. Bites can take place when the spider enters clothing bedding or footwear and then becomes trapped between the material and the person. In an effort to free itself the spider will often bite.

By taking a few precautions and knowing what to look for and where these spiders live, you can avoid most instances in which you could experience harm.