The Truth About Brown Recluse in Maryland
The brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, is widely recognized for its distinctive appearance, leading to public concern and frequent inquiries about its distribution, especially outside its established range. Reports of brown recluse spiders in Maryland are almost always misidentifications. Scientific evidence indicates Loxosceles reclusa is not native or established in Maryland. Its natural habitat is concentrated in the south-central United States, extending from Nebraska to Ohio and from Texas to Georgia.
While a brown recluse spider could theoretically be transported to Maryland, perhaps within luggage or shipping containers, such occurrences are isolated incidents. These spiders do not survive or reproduce to establish breeding populations in the state’s climate and environment. Therefore, individuals encountering spiders in Maryland that they suspect are brown recluses are almost certainly observing a different species.
Identifying a Brown Recluse
Accurate identification of a brown recluse spider requires careful observation. One recognized characteristic is a dark, violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax, the fused head and chest region. This marking points towards the abdomen, though its clarity can vary among individual spiders.
A more reliable identification feature involves the spider’s eyes. Unlike most spiders, which have eight eyes, the brown recluse possesses six eyes arranged in three pairs, or dyads. These pairs are typically configured in a semicircle: one central pair and two lateral pairs.
The brown recluse’s coloration is generally uniform, ranging from tan to dark brown, without stripes, bands, or other distinct patterns on its abdomen or legs. Their bodies are covered with fine, sparse hairs, rather than dense bristles. Adult brown recluses are typically small, with a body length ranging from 6 to 20 millimeters, including their legs.
Common Look-Alikes in Maryland
Many spiders commonly found in Maryland are frequently mistaken for the brown recluse due to similar coloration or markings. Wolf spiders (Lycosidae family) are often brown and can be quite large. However, wolf spiders have eight eyes arranged in three rows: four small eyes on the bottom, two large eyes in the middle, and two medium eyes on top.
Funnel weaver spiders (Agelenidae family), like the grass spider, are another common look-alike. These spiders often have brown bodies and create sheet-like webs with a funnel retreat. Distinguishing them from a brown recluse involves observing their eye arrangement, typically eight eyes in two rows, and prominent spinnerets at the end of their abdomen.
Common house spiders, such as the American house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum), might also be confused due to their brown coloring. These spiders typically have eight eyes and often exhibit a more rounded, bulbous abdomen with varying patterns. Cellar spiders (Pholcidae family), often called “daddy long-legs,” are also frequently misidentified; however, their extremely long, thin legs and generally small, oval bodies easily distinguish them from the more robust brown recluse.