How To Identify A Brown Recluse: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Identify Brown Recluse » How To Identify A Brown Recluse: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Identifying Brown Recluse Spiders: Unique Characteristics PDF download Download Article Learn if a spider is a brown recluse and what to do if you're bitten Co-authored by Samuel Ramsey, PhD and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: December 31, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Features
    • |
  • Habitat
    • |
  • Bite Treatment
    • |
  • Identification Chart
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Samuel Ramsey, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.” There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,859,601 times.

These shy little spiders are most known by their dark-brown violin markings, which is why they're also called "fiddle-back" or "violin" spiders. Although many people are afraid of them and they have a bad reputation, brown recluse bites are actually very rare. While they are venomous, they usually only pose a serious risk to children or elderly people with pre-existing health conditions.[1] Read on to learn everything you need to know about brown recluses, including what you should do if you think you've been bitten by one.

Things You Should Know

An illustration showing how to identify a brown recluse, including by its markings and eyes.
  • Brown recluses are small spiders with light-brown bodies and legs, 6 eyes, and fine hair on their legs.
  • True to their name, brown recluses favor sheltered, out-of-the-way places and typically aren't out in plain sight.
  • Brown recluse spiders are native to the southeastern and midwest United States. If you live elsewhere, the spider is likely not a brown recluse.

Steps

Identification Chart

Brown Recluse Identification Chart Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Features of a Brown Recluse

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Light-brown body and legs 1 Light-brown body and legs The brown recluse is a solid light-brown color, typically similar to dirt or sand. Apart from the violin marking behind their heads, these spiders don't have any variation in color on either their bodies or their legs, including their undersides.[2]
    • If the spider has stripes or other markings on its body or legs, it's not a brown recluse.
    • Spiders with darker abdomens or several different colors on their bodies also aren't brown recluses. For example, huntsman spiders and funnel weavers are often mistaken for brown recluses, but they have different colors on their bodies and legs.[3]
  2. Step 2 Violin marking 2 Violin marking This dark brown marking appears on the brown recluse's cephalothorax—typically people will just refer to this as the spider's back, although that's not completely accurate. The neck of the violin points toward the spider's body. The shape isn't always super well-defined, though, so it can be hard to spot.[4]
    • Other types of spiders have similar markings, so this alone isn't enough to guarantee you're looking at a brown recluse.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Six eyes 3 Six eyes The brown recluse's unique eye configuration is usually an easier way to identify them than other markings. While most spiders have 8 eyes, a brown recluse has only 6, arranged in 3 pairs—one directly in the center of their head with the other 2 pairs on either side.[5]
    • The eyes are so small it can be difficult to actually see them without a magnifying glass. If you're going to hold a magnifying glass up to a live spider, be careful!
    • A woodlouse spider also has 6 eyes, but they're in a different configuration. Woodlouse spiders tend to be reddish with a dark-reddish brown front half, pale back half, and gray abdomen.[6]
  4. Step 4 Fine hair 4 Fine hair Most spiders have spines on their legs, but brown recluses have only fine hairs. If you see spines, you're definitely looking at a different species of spider.[7]
  5. Step 5 Small size 5 Small size A brown recluse's body doesn't grow much bigger than 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) with its legs extended. If you've got a big, scary-looking spider, it's probably not a brown recluse. These small spiders can sit comfortably on the head of a US quarter, including their legs.[8]
    • If the spider is much larger, you're likely looking at a wolf spider.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Brown Recluse Habitat

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Southeastern and midwest United States 1 Southeastern and midwest United States Brown recluse spiders live primarily in 16 US states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. If you don't live in these areas, chances are you'll never encounter a brown recluse spider.[9]
    • Brown recluse spiders have been found in large cities outside these areas, likely because they were hiding in something that was moved there.[10]
  2. Step 2 Dry, hidden spaces 2 Dry, hidden spaces These spiders are called "recluses" because they tend to favor out-of-the-way places where they won't be disturbed. Generally, they're just not really interested in people and try to stay out of your way. Look for them in:[11]
    • Attics
    • Dry basements
    • Closets
    • Sheds or barns
    • Woodpiles[12]
    • Shoes
    • Boxes of stored items
  3. Step 3 Loose, sticky webs 3 Loose, sticky webs Brown recluse spiders don't use their webs to catch prey—they go out hunting at night. Their webs are flat retreats in the bottom of boxes or corners, constructed to protect the spider and their young. The loose strands of the web are sticky to the touch and usually off-white or grayish in color.[13]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Treating a Brown Recluse Bite

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wash the bite area immediately upon discovery. 1 Wash the bite area immediately upon discovery. A brown recluse bite isn't going to hurt. In fact, it can take up to 8 hours before you even realize you were bitten at all. When you notice a bite, clean it carefully with soap and warm water.[14]
    • The area around the bite might become red or swollen within 3-8 hours after the bite. You might also feel a burning sensation.
    • Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the site for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.
  2. Step 2 Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. 2 Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. When in doubt, call your doctor about any painful or swollen bite. Even if it's not a brown recluse bite, prompt medical treatment will keep it from developing into something more serious. Prompt medical treatment is especially important for small children and elderly adults or people with pre-existing medical conditions.[15]
    • Keep in mind that doctors aren't typically entomologists. They'll treat your bite but might not be able to tell if it was actually a brown recluse bite or something else. [16]
    • If severe, an ulcer will develop within 3-5 days after the initial bite. If the ulcer breaks down, it becomes a wound that can take months to completely heal.[17]
  3. Step 3 Monitor other symptoms, including fever and nausea. 3 Monitor other symptoms, including fever and nausea. If you develop a fever or if the area around the bite appears infected, get emergency medical treatment as soon as possible. Even though this is likely a secondary infection, it's still a medical emergency. You need antibiotics to kill the infection and keep it from spreading.[18]
    • If not infected, most brown recluse bites heal completely within 3 weeks.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Are brown recluses dangerous? Samuel Ramsey, PhD Samuel Ramsey, PhD Entomologist Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.” Samuel Ramsey, PhD Samuel Ramsey, PhD Entomologist Expert Answer The bite of a Brown Recluse has a type of necrotoxin that actually breaks down healthy human skin and flesh in a way that is frightening and conspicuous and concerning. However, it is important to know that most Brown Recluse bites do not result in that necrotized wound growing that won't heal. That only happens for some people and it is an infrequent occurrence. It is even less likely that one will be bitten by these spiders because they are so reclusive. They tend not to spend much time interacting with human beings. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 12
  • Question Should I be worried about being bitten if there's a brown recluse in my home? Samuel Ramsey, PhD Samuel Ramsey, PhD Entomologist Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.” Samuel Ramsey, PhD Samuel Ramsey, PhD Entomologist Expert Answer People are most frequently bitten if a Brown Recluse, for whatever reason, ends up inside of a shoe and someone sticks their foot inside, crushes it, and in its last-ditch effort to get away from what it thinks is a predator, it bites them. However, they very infrequently actually bite human beings. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 10
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

  • Shake out seasonal clothing and shoes before you put them on, especially if they were kept in a dark, dry area.[19] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Wear work gloves and long sleeves when sorting through clothing or stored items—the small brown recluse can't bite through clothing.[20] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Plug up or seal any vents or gaps to keep brown recluse spiders from entering your home. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • If you live in the Midwest, buy some sticky traps and put them out for a while. You'll know within a few weeks if you have brown recluses sharing a home with you. I have lived in an old (100 year old) house near St. Louis, MO for 6 years now and I used to only catch L. Reclusa in the traps. I've since thinned their population and now I see occasionally beetles and silverfish, too.
  • Hairspray is good for 'freezing' the brown recluse. I most often see them in the restroom, Anyway, I grabbed my hairspray last time I saw one & made spider 'taxidermy.' It helped to scare the other spiders away & made for a great science project.
  • A great way to trap recluses from unused rooms is to make a tube out of duct tape and paste it under doorways. Catches them and others like a charm. No substitute for exterminating and other good precautions.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If you think you've been bitten by a brown recluse, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.[21] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Brown recluse spider bites are particularly dangerous for children, elderly people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.[22] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Identify and Treat Recluse (Fiddleback) Spider BitesHow toIdentify and Treat Recluse (Fiddleback) Spider Bites Identify SpidersHow toIdentify Spiders Identify a Brown Widow SpiderHow toIdentify a Brown Widow Spider Treat Spider BitesHow toTreat Spider Bites Identify a Spider BiteHow toIdentify a Spider Bite Identify and Treat Black Widow Spider BitesHow toIdentify and Treat Black Widow Spider Bites Identify a Redback SpiderHow toIdentify a Redback Spider Identify a Black Widow SpiderHow toIdentify a Black Widow Spider Identify a Hobo SpiderHow toIdentify a Hobo Spider Identify a Funnel SpiderHow toIdentify a Funnel Spider Kill SpidersHow toKill Spiders Identify a Trapdoor SpiderHow toIdentify a Trapdoor Spider Identify a Crab SpiderHow toIdentify a Crab Spider Identify a False Widow SpiderHow to ID False Widow Spiders & What to Do If You Find One Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about spiders, check out our in-depth interview with Samuel Ramsey, PhD.

References

  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22946-brown-recluse-spider-bite
  2. ↑ https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home/the-brown-recluse-spider-facts-control/
  3. ↑ https://spiders.ucr.edu/how-identify-and-misidentify-brown-recluse-spider
  4. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/brown-recluse-spiders
  6. ↑ https://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pcspiders.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home/the-brown-recluse-spider-facts-control/
  8. ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/spiders-brown-recluse-black-widow-and-other-common-spiders.html
  9. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/brown-recluse-spiders
More References (13)
  1. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22946-brown-recluse-spider-bite
  4. ↑ https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home/the-brown-recluse-spider-facts-control/
  5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22946-brown-recluse-spider-bite
  6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002859.htm
  7. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22946-brown-recluse-spider-bite
  9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22946-brown-recluse-spider-bite
  10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22946-brown-recluse-spider-bite
  11. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22946-brown-recluse-spider-bite
  12. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002859.htm
  13. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002859.htm

About This Article

Samuel Ramsey, PhD Co-authored by: Samuel Ramsey, PhD Entomologist This article was co-authored by Samuel Ramsey, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.” This article has been viewed 2,859,601 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 47 Updated: December 31, 2025 Views: 2,859,601 Categories: Featured Articles | Spiders and Other Arachnids Article SummaryX

A brown recluse is a brown spider that's roughly the size of a penny. It has long, thin legs. Brown recluses have a dark brown violin-shaped marking on their thorax, and their body is covered in thin hairs. Brown recluses only have 6 eyes, while most spiders have 8. If you think a spider is a brown recluse, don’t get too close to examine Brown recluse bites are dangerous and potentially deadly. Brown recluses prefer to hide in dark, hidden places, like under a porch or deep in a closet. They are only found in the Central and Southern United States. For information on where brown recluses live and how to identify a bite, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Italian Chinese Portuguese French Dutch Russian Indonesian Arabic Korean Vietnamese Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,859,601 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Nikki Hale Cooper

    Nikki Hale Cooper

    Aug 1, 2017

    "I live in southern Ohio. The brown recluse spider has become prevalent in our area. I got bitten last night (but..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Samuel Ramsey, PhD Co-authored by: Samuel Ramsey, PhD Entomologist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 47 Updated: December 31, 2025 Views: 2,859,601 Nikki Hale Cooper

Nikki Hale Cooper

Aug 1, 2017

"I live in southern Ohio. The brown recluse spider has become prevalent in our area. I got bitten last night (but..." more Rated this article: Debie Neuner

Debie Neuner

Apr 26, 2016

"Ok, had no idea what I was looking at. It was completely black before I sprayed it. The color seems to have..." more Jacob Querido

Jacob Querido

Apr 27, 2017

"Trying to figure what spider I just ran into in a secluded corner of our garage that hasn't been touched in..." more Rated this article: Regina Ucker

Regina Ucker

Jun 6, 2017

"I've had an issue with spiders recently, and have been unsure of its species. I do live in an area that is..." more Sheila Stitt

Sheila Stitt

May 1, 2017

"I have recently had 4 large spiders come into my kitchen through a small space in the door to the back yard. I..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Animal Riddle QuizAnimal Riddle QuizTake QuizGuess the Animal Photo QuizGuess the Animal Photo QuizTake QuizMagnus Archives Fears QuizMagnus Archives Fears QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizHorse Breed Trivia TestHorse Breed Trivia TestTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Identify and Treat Recluse (Fiddleback) Spider BitesHow toIdentify and Treat Recluse (Fiddleback) Spider BitesIdentify SpidersHow toIdentify SpidersIdentify a Brown Widow SpiderHow toIdentify a Brown Widow SpiderTreat Spider BitesHow toTreat Spider Bites

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type QuizWhat Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Bird Am I QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake QuizSlender Man Survival SimulatorSlender Man Survival SimulatorPlayGeneral Knowledge QuizGeneral Knowledge QuizTake QuizDo I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Do I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Take QuizAm I a Trivia Pro QuizAm I a Trivia Pro QuizTake QuizWhat Monster Am I QuizWhat Monster Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Bugs
  • Spiders and Other Arachnids
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --627

Tag » How To Identify Brown Recluse