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Nature

Brown Recluse

What is brown recluse?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Species name *Loxosceles reclusa*[1]
Common names brown recluse, violin spider, fiddleback[2]
Body marking dark violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax[2]
Eyes six eyes arranged in three pairs[4]
US range western and southern United States[1]

The brown recluse is a venomous spider species, *Loxosceles reclusa*, found in North America, known for its violin-shaped marking and potentially necrotic bite.

Context

The brown recluse, scientifically *Loxosceles reclusa*, is a venomous spider native to North America [1]. It is often identified by a dark violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax, though the eye pattern—six eyes in three pairs—is also used for identification [4]. The spider is secluded and avoids open spaces, typically biting only when threatened or touched [3]. Its venom can cause necrotic lesions, making it medically significant [1]. The proper common name refers to only one species, *Loxosceles reclusa* [1].

Documented claims

  • The brown recluse is medically significant because its venom can cause necrotic skin lesions. [1]
  • It typically only bites a human if threatened or touched. [2]
  • It avoids open spaces and is secluded and withdrawn. [3]

Questions and answers

Is the brown recluse spider in Canada?

The brown recluse is found in the western and southern United States, not in Canada [1].

What happens if you get bitten by a brown recluse?

The venom can cause necrotic skin lesions, and the bite may require medical attention [1].

How dangerous is a brown recluse?

It is considered a medically significant spider because its bite can cause tissue damage [1].

How do you tell if it's a brown recluse?

Look for the dark violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax and the six eyes arranged in three pairs [4].

Sources

  1. Brown Recluse Spider — osha.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. brown recluse - Illinois Department of Natural Resources — dnr.illinois.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Brown Recluse and Other Recluse Spiders — ipm.ucanr.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Brown Recluse — wildlifedepartment.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature