Loxosceles reclusa, sometimes called fiddleback or violin spider, is a pesky arachnid, that thrives in human environment. Although reclusive in nature (hence their name), they are known for their necrotic venom, more potent than a rattlesnake. Resilient to withstand cold and hot weather, they can survive many months without any food or water.
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Brown recluse spider is native to southern and central United States.
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It is approximately 6 – 20 millimeters (0.24 – 0.79 inches) tall.
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It is usually light or dark brown, but also in shades of grey.
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Members of Loxosceles genus have violin-shaped marking on top of their cephalothorax.
The color intensity depends on the age of spider.
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An average lifespan of brown recluse varies from 2 to 4 years.
As a matter of fact, these two are not difficult to distinguish – brown recluse, apart from the violin-shaped marking, has also its legs uniformly colored.
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Brown recluse are not aggressive, but will bite when disturbed or threaten.
When they spot human coming towards them, they run in the opposite direction.
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Its venom is necrotic.
Both male and female can inject venom. However poisonous, its bite is not deadly. People react differently to brown recluse bite, some develop a necrotic wound and require an immediate medical attention.
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Unlike most spiders, brown recluse spiders have six eyes.
Most spiders have eight eyes.
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Their eyes are arranged in dyads and are equal in size.
Other spiders have their eyes arranged in rows of four.
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Their abdomen is uniformly colored.
Colors vary from dark brown to light cream. It is also covered with fine hairs that resemble velvet.
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Female brown recluse needs to mate only once to produce eggs throughout its entire life.
One female can produce roughly around 150 spiderlings per year.
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Brown recluse spiders lay eggs from May to July.
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They are active from March to October.
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They are nocturnal creatures.
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Brown recluse build irregular webs, but do not use them to capture prey.
They prefer to hunt at night, chasing their victims.
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They feed on soft-bodied insects, not necessarily freshly killed.
They are also known for cannibalism.
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They are susceptible to flat, sticky cards.
It’s believed to be the most effective way to get rid of these unwanted tenants.
