About Brown Recluse
The brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is a 6–20 mm spider recognizable by the dark violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax and its six eyes arranged in three pairs (most spiders have eight eyes in two rows). Native to the south-central and midwestern United States, it inhabits undisturbed areas — cardboard boxes, stored clothing, under furniture, and inside wall voids. Its venom contains sphingomyelinase D, which can cause necrotic skin lesions in a subset of bite victims that may take months to heal. Bites are uncommon because the spider is genuinely reclusive, but confirmed infestations warrant comprehensive treatment of all harborage areas.
Geographic Distribution
This spider is found across Europe, with notable populations in France and surrounding regions.
Management
If you suspect a Brown Recluse problem, consult our recommended exterminator services or browse our full pest species database for related species and control guidance.