# Brown Recluse Spider — Facts, Threats & Conservation

*Loxosceles reclusa*

> The brown recluse is a small venomous spider named for a violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax and its shy, reclusive habits. Found mainly in the central and southern United States, it bites rarely but can cause necrotic skin lesions.

**IUCN status:** Not Evaluated  ·  **WARN range:** North America

## Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Loxosceles reclusa |
| Diet | Carnivore — insects and other small arthropods |
| Habitat | Dark undisturbed spaces — attics, closets, sheds, and woodpiles |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years; slow-growing and long-lived for a spider |
| Weight | 0.5–1 g (0.0005–0.001 kg) |
| Top speed | Quick short bursts when threatened; otherwise sedentary |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated (IUCN) |

## Scientific classification
- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Arachnida
- **Order:** Araneae
- **Family:** Sicariidae
- **Genus:** Loxosceles

## Conservation status
- **Status:** Not Evaluated (IUCN Red List category)
- **Population:** Global population not compiled for this guide
- **Trend:** See the IUCN Red List assessment
- **Assessed:** See the IUCN Red List assessment
- **CITES:** See CITES appendices
- Conservation figures are drawn from the IUCN Red List and CITES; this guide links to the authoritative sources rather than restating population counts.

## Key facts: Brown Recluse Spider
- Brown recluses avoid open spaces and daylight, spinning irregular webs in undisturbed corners rather than catching prey in orb webs.
- The dark violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax helps identification, though similar marks occur on harmless species.
- Bites occur when spiders are trapped against skin in clothing or bedding — they do not chase people.

## Reclusive habits
Brown recluses avoid open spaces and daylight, spinning irregular webs in undisturbed corners rather than catching prey in orb webs. They hunt small insects at night and tolerate crowding — dozens may share a hidden void in infested buildings.

## Violin marking and identification
The dark violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax helps identification, though similar marks occur on harmless species. Six eyes in three pairs (most spiders have eight) is a diagnostic feature. Misidentification is common outside their native range.

## Venom and necrosis
Bites occur when spiders are trapped against skin in clothing or bedding — they do not chase people. Venom contains enzymes that can cause necrotic wounds in some victims, though many bites heal without serious tissue damage. Medical attention is advised for suspected bites.

## Geographic limits and myths
Brown recluses are native to the south-central United States and rarely found outside this range despite frequent misidentifications elsewhere. Not Evaluated by IUCN. Reducing clutter, shaking out stored clothing, and sealing entry points limit indoor encounters.

## What WARN does
WARN does not run a dedicated brown recluse spider programme — this guide is part of the World Animal Rescue Network's free educational library. The brown recluse spider is currently widespread and not globally threatened, and this guide helps readers understand the pressures that can change that. Building public understanding of species like the brown recluse spider supports the broader conservation awareness that underpins WARN's partner-led rescue work across its network.

If clear, science-based wildlife guides like this help you understand and value animals, please consider supporting the World Animal Rescue Network's educational and rescue work so we can keep producing them.

## Frequently asked questions: Brown Recluse Spider
### Are brown recluse bites deadly?
Death is extremely rare. Most bites cause mild irritation; some develop necrotic ulcers requiring medical care. Many suspected bites are misdiagnosed.

### Where do brown recluse spiders live?
South-central United States from Nebraska to Georgia and Texas — not on the West Coast or Northeast despite common misidentifications.

### How do you identify a brown recluse?
Uniform brown colour, violin mark on the back, six eyes in three pairs, and no stripes on the legs. Professional identification is recommended.

### Do brown recluse spiders jump?
No — they run briefly when disturbed but do not jump or actively attack people.

### How do you prevent brown recluse bites?
Shake out shoes and stored clothing, reduce clutter in garages and attics, use sticky traps in infested buildings, and seal cracks where spiders enter.

### What do brown recluse spiders eat?
Brown Recluse Spiders eat Carnivore — insects and other small arthropods. The brown recluse is a small venomous spider named for a violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax and its shy, reclusive habits. Found mainly in the central and southern United States, it bites rarely but can cause necrotic skin lesions.

### Are brown recluse spiders dangerous?
The brown recluse is a small venomous spider named for a violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax and its shy, reclusive habits. Give wild brown recluse spiders space; do not corner or handle them.

### How long do brown recluse spiders live?
Brown Recluse Spiders typically live 2–4 years; slow-growing and long-lived for a spider. The brown recluse is a small venomous spider named for a violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax and its shy, reclusive habits. Wild and captive figures can differ; use the sources listed on the guide for the underlying studies.

### How big is a brown recluse spider?
A Brown Recluse Spider is about 2–4 years; slow-growing and long-lived for a spider. The brown recluse is a small venomous spider named for a violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax and its shy, reclusive habits. Found mainly in the central and southern United States, it bites rarely but can cause necrotic skin lesions. Conservation status: Not Evaluated (IUCN).

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Brown Recluse Spider](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_recluse_spider)
- [Wikidata — Brown Recluse Spider](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q284352)

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Full guide: https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/brown-recluse-spider