The Brown Recluse Spider is common is the United States in the states from central Texas to Alabama, north and south Ohio west to southeastern Nebraska, Kansas, and Okalahoma. There are 13 different species of Loxosceles, or brown spiders, in the U.S. The Brown Recluse is 1 of 4 out of the 13 that causes reactions in humans. The Brown Recluse Spider is also known as the Violin Back Spider or the Fiddle Back Spider due to the violin shaped brown spot on it's back,(in both photos above it can be clearly seen). The figure on the spider's back actually can vary due to it's habitat and diet, some do not even have the trademark figure.
The best way to identify a Brown Recluse Spider is by it's eyes. The Brown Recluse has 6 eyes and not 8 as most spiders do. These eyes are in sets of 2 that are separated from the other pairs. Brown Recluse Spiders can be up a 1/4 of an inch long and 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch wide. Their leg span can that of a quarter or up a half a dollar in length. They vary in color from a light golden yellow to a chocolate brown. They are covered in dense short hairs and the male is often smaller in abdomen size than the female.
These spiders are not aggressive and are found to be shy and as their names states reclusive. Most bites occur when they are pressed into the skin when putting on clothing or when rolled onto in a bed, a few cases happened when a bathtub due to the spider cannot climb out of the slick area. These spiders usually only bite when scared or injured. They prefer dark places that are not disturbed, like most spiders. Under rocks, in cervices, voids, and corners. They have been found under bales of hay, in meter boxes, in shoes, in bedding, in wall outlets, behind book shelves, in boxes not sealed air tight, in attics, basements. If you have an infestation in your home it is best to call a professional pest control agency to eliminate them due to the spiders venom.
The Brown Recluse Spider hibernates during the winter months unless it lives indoors. These spiders are most active from the months of May till October. Most bites happen between May and August. These spiders can go for weeks without food, so removing their food source will not remove them. They lay anywhere from 20-50 eggs in a egg sack and in a single season can produce 20 egg sacks. Their lifespan in a lab is 2 years yet some scientist believe in nature they can live up to 10 years.
They can spin webs and if left undisturbed their webs will be a sheet of webbing. Often they will have a "tubular" hideout spun onto the back of the web for resting. They can also hunt short distances away from their web. When they hunt their prey is subdued and bitten, but not wrapped in silk. If their prey is caught on the web it is wrapped in silk. The web itself will not have a pattern but will be irregular in pattern and seem to be random.
If you get bit it is best to collect the spider in a jar using the hearding method (I always trap the spider or insect with a jelly jar and then slide a paper plate under it, then while wearing long sleeves and gloves that are taped at the wrist to ensure it cannot enter the sleeve, swap the paper plate for cling wrap or foil sealed with a tight fitting rubber band.). ER doctors recommend you bring the spider with you to the ER so they can identify it and begin to treat the area as needed.
The Brown Recluse Spider causes bites that are from a horror movie. Not pretty, and it is best not to be bitten peroid. The venom of the spider causes skin ulcers that can start out by appearing to be a skin pimple often associated with a wasp sting or tick bite. Usually within 24 hours it will redden and enlarge and often have a "bulls eye" appearance to it. The venom of the Brown Recluse cause the skin in the area of the bite to die, which results in a scooped out looking wound. If you think you have been bitten by a Brown Recluse go to your local ER as quickly as possible. There has been deaths from this spider's bite. If you wish to see a Brown Recluse bite wound feel free to google it. Be prepared, it is some nasty stuff.
Keep in mind that like venom's the Brown Recluse's bite results can vary depending on how sensitive a person is to venom. If you are HIGHLY allergic to wasp stings and bee stings it is best to extra careful when bitten or handling anything with venom of any kind (this includes snakes also). And of course those with weakened immune systems, elderly, and children should not handle anything with venom and if bitten rush the nearest ER while applying RICE.
The State of Tennessee recommends using RICE for bites of snakes, spiders, scorpions and any other type of bite including dog, alligator, and even the rare but not unheard of squirrel bite. RICE is; Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest, that means relax! It's done so calm down and don't panic. Ice, apply ice to the wound (NEVER HEAT! This actually speeds up the toxins of the venom and speeds up bacteria growth). If your short on ice a cold wash rag, a frozen bag of peas, corn, whatever you have handy will do. Compression means to apply pressure to the wound with a CLEAN towel, shirt, bra, whatever is handy. Elevation means get the wound if possible (if on a limb like an arm or leg) above your heart. So lay back relax and throw it up in the air. If at home or in a car place on a pile of pillows, jackets, or on a get someone to hold it up for you.
If you have an aspirin or other over the counter pain reliever handy take it. It helps stop the inflammation and will ease the pain. An antihistamine can be taken to reduce the allergic effects of the venom. If you do take anything make sure to tell the doctor when you see them. There may also be joint soreness, fever, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, seizures, kidney failure, coma's, and a whole slew of other symptoms. If your feeling funky and have been bitten go to the ER.
I know that this blog was a bit long but the Brown Recluse spider is dangerous to people of all ages. I feel that the more knowledge that is known the better. If you have any questions on any species of spider leave me a comment and I will answer it the best I can or I will refer you to someone who can answer it. Tomorrow is Part I on snakes in the Tennessee area.
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