Brown Recluse

The brown recluse spider is a shy little guy. He likes to hide—in piles of leaves, under rocks, in your closet, in your shoes, under the bed—wherever he can find a dark, tight spot.

But when nighttime comes, the brown recluse ventures out in search of food. He’s looking for insects like cockroaches and crickets, and even other spiders.

This reclusive arachnid has been known to bite humans, usually when it’s been accidentally touched. The bite itself is often painless and might go unnoticed. But hours later, it can result in painful sores and eventually even disfiguring scars.

Fascinating Facts

• State your case. Brown recluse spiders are native to the midwestern and southeastern states.
• Fiddle dee dee. The brown recluse is commonly referred to as a "fiddle-back" spider because of the violin-shaped marking on the back of its head and thorax.

Learn about other Spiders: