2. BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER
(Loxosceles reclusa)
[Illustration: (unlabelled)]
Identification. The brown recluse is a medium-sized spider with a 2- to
4-cm (0.8-1.6 in) legspan and a color range from yellow tan to dark
brown. The most distinguishing characteristics are six eyes (most
spiders have eight eyes) arranged in a semicircle of three pairs on top
of the head, and a violin-shaped marking extending from the area of the
eyes to the abdomen.
Distribution. Brown recluse spiders occur throughout an area of the
Southcentral States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Mississippi,
Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. Localized populations of this spider,
probably imported from the Southcentral States, have been reported from
Arizona, Wyoming, California, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Due to the mobility of the United
States citizenry, specimens can be easily transported in household goods
from the spider’s home range in the Southcentral United States to any
other area of the country. Under favorable conditions the relocated
spiders can survive for an extended period of time and possibly become
established.
Biology/Behavior. Within its range, the brown recluse spider will
readily establish populations inside parts of buildings which are
generally dry, littered, and undisturbed for long periods of time. The
spider also can be found outside in protected areas (under rocks and
loose bark). Members of this species are nonaggressive and normally
attempt to escape whenever they are threatened. Thus, most instances of
bites occur when the spider is inadvertently trapped, such as when the
victim puts on clothing in which the spider is hiding, steps on a
wandering spider at night, or cleans closets or other storage areas
where the spider resides.
Avoidance/Control. Any of the following actions will help prevent
contact with the brown recluse spider: shake out clothing and bedding
before use; eliminate collections of papers and unused boxes; thoroughly
clean beneath and behind furniture; remove spiders, webs, and egg cases
from living and storage areas; and properly use appropriate
insecticides.