The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is often misunderstood, especially regarding its movement. Many believe these spiders can jump, a misconception that causes unnecessary fear. This article clarifies their actual movements and behaviors.
Understanding Brown Recluse Movement
Brown recluse spiders cannot jump. Their long, thin legs are not adapted for jumping. They move by crawling and running, exhibiting quick bursts of speed when disturbed. This might contribute to the misconception that they jump.
These spiders are active hunters, but unlike many web-building spiders, they do not rely on sticky webs to capture prey. They construct irregular, flat webs, often called “retreats,” serving as resting places or egg sacs, not hunting nets. They stalk or ambush small insects and other arthropods.
Identifying and Understanding Brown Recluse Behavior
Identifying a brown recluse involves distinct features, as many harmless spiders are often mistaken for them. A prominent characteristic is the dark, violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax, with the “neck” pointing towards the abdomen. However, this marking can vary in intensity. A more reliable identifier is their unique eye arrangement: six eyes grouped into three pairs, unlike most spiders that have eight eyes.
Their legs are uniformly colored, lacking stripes or bands, and covered in fine hairs. Their abdomen is also uniformly colored, ranging from light tan to dark brown, and covered with fine hairs, giving it a velvety appearance. Adults are relatively small, with a body length typically between 0.25 and 0.5 inches, and their leg span is comparable to the size of a quarter.
Brown recluse spiders are reclusive, preferring dark, dry, and undisturbed environments. Indoors, they commonly inhabit basements, attics, closets, and storage areas, often found within cardboard boxes or old clothing. Outdoors, they seek shelter under rocks, logs, and woodpiles. They are nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt for prey.
Brown recluse spiders are not aggressive; bites typically occur when they feel threatened or are accidentally pressed against skin. This happens when a person inadvertently rolls onto a spider in bed or puts on clothing or shoes where a spider has taken refuge. They prefer to flee from perceived threats rather than bite. These spiders can survive for extended periods, sometimes up to a year, without food or water.