Is That a Brown Recluse? Dangerous Spiders vs. Look-Alikes
Almost every brown spider gets called a brown recluse, and almost all of them are something harmless. Here's how to sort them out.
Brown recluse
- Eyes: Six eyes in three pairs, not the usual eight. This is more reliable than the "violin" marking, which many other spiders share.
- Body: Plain light-to-medium brown, with no stripes or bands on the abdomen or legs, and no thick spines on the legs.
- Where: Mainly the south-central and Midwest US. If you live far outside that area, a recluse is very unlikely.
Common look-alikes
- Wolf spiders: Stocky, hairy, striped, with spines on the legs.
- Cellar spiders: Tiny bodies with extremely long, thin legs.
- Funnel weavers and house spiders: Brown with stripes or patterns on the body.
Black widow
Glossy black with a red hourglass on the underside of the abdomen. They build messy, strong webs in dark, undisturbed spots like woodpiles, garages, and meter boxes.
What to do
- Don't handle it. Never try to count eyes on a live spider.
- Reduce clutter, and shake out shoes and gloves stored in garages or sheds before using them.
- If you suspect a recluse or widow in your home, take a photo from a safe distance and call a pro. They often come in numbers.
This isn't medical advice. If you've been bitten and have severe pain, a spreading wound, fever, or feel unwell, get medical care, and bring the spider if you can do so safely.