Brown Recluse Spider

brown recluse spider next animal
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