The brown recluse spider’s venom often causes public concern. Many wonder if these spiders can be found in northern states like Maine. This article clarifies their presence in Maine, how to identify them, and what to do if you suspect an encounter.
Presence of Brown Recluse Spiders in Maine
Brown recluse spiders are not native to Maine. Their established range primarily covers the Midwestern and South-Central United States, including states such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and parts of Georgia and Kentucky. These spiders thrive in warmer climates, and Maine’s cold winters are generally unsuitable for them to establish permanent populations.
Any sightings of brown recluse spiders in Maine are exceedingly rare, almost always resulting from accidental transportation. These spiders can “hitchhike” on items like moving boxes, furniture, or vehicles from their native regions. While isolated instances of a brown recluse being inadvertently brought into the state have been reported, these do not indicate an established or breeding population. Residents are highly unlikely to encounter them in the natural environment.
Identifying a Brown Recluse Spider
Identifying a brown recluse spider involves observing several distinct physical characteristics. These spiders are typically light to medium brown, though their coloration can range from whitish to dark brown or grayish-black. Their body size, excluding legs, usually ranges from 6 to 20 millimeters.
A key feature is a dark, violin-shaped marking on the top of its cephalothorax, the fused head and midsection. The “neck” of this violin shape points towards the spider’s rear. This “violin” pattern alone is not definitive, as other spiders can have similar markings. A more reliable identifier is their eye arrangement: brown recluses have six eyes arranged in three pairs, unlike most spiders that possess eight eyes. Their legs are uniformly colored without stripes or patterns, and they are covered in fine hairs rather than spines.
Commonly Confused Spiders in Maine
Many spiders found in Maine are often mistaken for the brown recluse due to their brown coloration or general appearance. Common species like fishing spiders and wolf spiders are frequently misidentified. Fishing spiders are often encountered near water bodies. Wolf spiders are also relatively large and brown, actively hunting prey on the ground.
Other spiders, such as cellar spiders, house spiders, and some orb-weavers, can also be confused with the brown recluse. Cellar spiders have long, slender legs, and house spiders create messy webs. These native Maine spiders lack the specific eye arrangement and distinct violin marking of a brown recluse, and most are harmless to humans.
Steps After a Suspected Brown Recluse Encounter
If you encounter a spider in Maine that you suspect might be a brown recluse, it is important to avoid direct contact. Given their rarity in the state, misidentification is probable. If possible and safe, try to capture the spider in a container or take a clear photograph for expert identification.
Should a bite occur and a brown recluse is suspected, clean the wound with soap and water immediately. Apply a cool compress or ice pack to the bite area to help manage swelling and discomfort. While most spider bites are not serious, seeking medical attention is advisable, especially if symptoms such as increasing pain, redness, spreading discoloration, or the development of an open sore occur.