Brown Recluse Spider
Loxosceles reclusa
This potentially dangerous spider is in fact quite shy (a real recluse!)
and normally bites humans only when accidentally trapped against the
skin. It often bears a fiddle-like marking, but is best identified by
its characteristic eye pattern (three paired lenses). Unfortunately,
many similar beneficial spiders are mistakenly killed.
Fact file:
Lifespan: More than 1 yr
Ecological Role: Predator
Habitat: Dry and urban areas
Prey: Small insects
Current Range: Southern United States