Sicariidae
The Brown Recluse
Loxosceles reclusa
Dangerous
All species
Photo: Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Family
Sicariidae
Size
Body 6–11 mm
Region
Central & southern United States
Habitat
Closets, attics, cardboard boxes and rarely disturbed storage.
Overview
A shy, reclusive hunter recognised by the dark violin shape on its back. Its cytotoxic venom can cause slow-healing wounds.
How to identify it
- Violin-shaped marking pointing toward the abdomen
- Six eyes arranged in three pairs (most spiders have eight)
- Uniform tan to brown colour with no leg banding
- Smooth legs, no spines
Standout fact
Unlike most spiders, the brown recluse has six eyes in three pairs — a key AI identification signal.
