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Brown Recluse Spider Biology

Brown recluse spiders measure between 3/8 and 1/2-inch in length and are golden brown in color with long, thin legs. Their bodies are covered in fine, dark hair. Brown recluse spiders are most easily identified by a characteristic fiddle or violin pattern near the head region. Brown recluse spiders are also known as violin or fiddle-back spiders as a result of these markings. The fiddle shape is dark brown or black in color.

Brown recluse mating season occurs between February and October, with the greatest egg production occurring from May to August. Throughout the season, one female brown recluse spider may produce up to five egg sacs with as many as 300 eggs in each sac. Within 24 to 36 days, newly hatched spiders will emerge.

Young brown recluse spiders are slow to grow and may reach maturity within 10 to 12 months. Their development is influenced by factors such as food and weather conditions. However, brown recluse specimens are capable of surviving for six months or longer without food or water.

These spiders are nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt for small insects. The webs of brown recluses are small, loose and irregular. Unlike other spider species, they do not use their webs to trap prey. 

Characteristics of Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown Recluse Spider Cancer

Brown Recluse Spider Facts

What Does a Brown Recluse Spider Look Like

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