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

1. Don't handle it. Never try to count eyes on a live spider.
2. Reduce clutter, and shake out shoes and gloves stored in garages or sheds before using them.
3. 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.