Brown recluse spiders are a common concern for many Texans and are present in the state. While often misunderstood and misidentified, the brown recluse is indeed native to certain Texas regions. Understanding their typical habitats, distinguishing features, and common look-alikes can help Texans accurately identify these spiders and respond appropriately.
Where Brown Recluses Are Found in Texas
The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is native to a broad range across the south-central United States. In Texas, their habitat primarily includes the central, eastern, and southern parts of the state. These spiders are not uniformly distributed throughout Texas and are generally absent from westernmost regions, such as the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Texas is also home to several other native Loxosceles species, including the Big Bend recluse, the Texas recluse (L. devia), L. apachea, and L. rufescens. The Texas recluse is particularly common in central and south Texas and is often mistaken for the brown recluse. These spiders prefer dry, undisturbed environments, often found outdoors in woodpiles, leaf litter, and sheds, or indoors in quiet spaces like closets, attics, basements, and garages.
Key Features for Identifying a Brown Recluse
Accurate identification of a brown recluse spider relies on several distinct physical characteristics. These spiders are relatively small, typically measuring 6 to 20 millimeters (0.24 to 0.79 inches) in body length, with a leg span roughly the size of a quarter. Their coloration ranges from light to medium brown, sometimes appearing whitish to dark brown or blackish-gray.
A prominent, dark brown “violin” or “fiddle” shaped marking is usually visible on their cephalothorax, the fused head and chest region. The “neck” of this violin shape points towards the spider’s abdomen. A key identifying feature is their unique eye arrangement: brown recluses have six eyes grouped into three pairs, unlike most spiders that have eight eyes. Their abdomens and legs are uniformly colored without stripes, bands, or patterns, and their legs are covered in fine hairs rather than spines.
Spiders Often Confused with the Brown Recluse
Many spiders found in Texas are mistakenly identified as brown recluses due to similar coloring or general appearance. Wolf spiders, for instance, are commonly confused with brown recluses but are generally larger and hairier, often displaying distinct dark stripes or mottled patterns. Unlike the brown recluse, wolf spiders have eight eyes, typically arranged in three rows, and are active hunters that do not spin webs to catch prey.
Grass spiders, also known as funnel weavers, are another group frequently misidentified as brown recluses. While they share a similar brown hue, grass spiders can be distinguished by their long, noticeable spinnerets at the end of their abdomen, which brown recluses lack. They also possess eight eyes and construct distinctive funnel-shaped webs, often found in grassy areas or around building foundations. Other look-alikes include male southern house spiders and cellar spiders, which may share some color similarities but differ in leg length, body shape, or eye arrangement. Hobo spiders, though sometimes mistaken for brown recluses, are not native to Texas, and their bites are not considered medically significant.
What to Do About Suspected Brown Recluse Bites or Sightings
Brown recluse spiders are reclusive and generally non-aggressive. Bites typically occur when the spider feels threatened or is accidentally trapped against skin, such as when putting on clothing or shoes where a spider has hidden. If a brown recluse bite is suspected, it is recommended to clean the area immediately with soap and water. Applying a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) for 10 to 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and pain. Elevating the bitten limb, if possible, is also advised.
Seek medical attention, especially if symptoms worsen or include signs of infection like increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, dizziness, or nausea. While most brown recluse bites are mild and heal without severe complications, some can lead to an open sore or tissue damage requiring professional medical care. If safe, capturing the spider, even if deceased, assists medical professionals in confirming identification. For sightings or suspected infestations, reducing clutter in undisturbed areas and sealing entry points can help deter them. Contact a pest control professional for effective management.