Brown Recluse Spiders

Identifying the Brown Recluse in Missouri

The Missouri climate is an ideal environment for the brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa). Often feared due to its venomous bite, identifying this spider correctly is the first step in protecting your home.

What Does a Brown Recluse Look Like?

Contrary to popular belief, they are not exceptionally large. A full-grown brown recluse is typically the size of a quarter (including legs). Their most distinguishing feature is a dark, violin-shaped mark on their back, with the “neck” of the violin pointing toward their abdomen. Unlike most spiders that have eight eyes, the brown recluse only has six, arranged in three pairs.

Common Hiding Spots

True to their name, these spiders are reclusive. They avoid light and open spaces. In St. Louis homes, they are most commonly found in:

• Cardboard boxes in basements and attics.
• Seldom-used shoes or clothing.
• Behind baseboards and inside wall voids.
• Woodpiles and debris around the exterior foundation.

The Danger of Infestations

While they only bite when pressed against the skin (such as rolling over on one in bed or putting on an infested shoe), a brown recluse bite can cause necrotic tissue damage. Because they breed rapidly in undisturbed areas, a few spiders can quickly turn into a serious structural infestation.