Identify Brown Recluse Spiders

If you live within the home range of the Brown Recluse Spider (see 'Distribution and Habitat'), it is extremely important that you be able to identify them. From reading this site, you will have learned how dangerous a bite from the infamous Brown Recluse Spider can be.

The Brown Recluse Spider is considered a small arachnid species. They range in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. The first item on the Brown Recluse Spider identify checklist is their markings. Brown Recluse Spiders have peculiar dark brown markings along their backside, and is usually referred to as being 'violin shaped'. This is how they get their nickname of Violin Spider. Unfortunately, this can not be the only sign you tell these spiders by, as other spiders of a similar type have markings that resemble these as well.

The feature of the Brown Recluse Spider that really sets them apart is their eyes. If you looks closely at their head (if you are looking at a real one, do not get too close, and be careful!), you will notice an unusual set of eyes. Most spiders have 4 pairs of eyes, for 8 in total.

The Brown Recluse Spider only has 3 sets of eyes, or 6 in total. This apparent "missing" set of eyes is what really sets the Brown Recluse Spider apart from the rest, and will allow you to identify the Brown Recluse Spider much easier.