Brown recluse spiders often cause public concern, leading to questions about their presence and potential danger. This stems from widespread fear and misinformation. Understanding the facts helps alleviate anxiety and provides clarity on identification and appropriate responses.
The Truth About Brown Recluse in Ohio
The brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, is native to the south-central United States. Its established range extends from Nebraska to Ohio, and south to Texas and Georgia. While Ohio lies at the northern edge of this distribution, widespread populations are rare across the state. They are primarily found in southwestern Ohio, with numbers decreasing further north and east.
Most reported sightings outside their primary range, including much of Ohio, are often misidentifications or isolated instances. Spiders can be inadvertently transported in household goods, furniture, or boxes, leading to incidental findings. However, such occurrences do not typically lead to established breeding populations, especially where colder winters limit outdoor survival. Many suspected brown recluse bites in Ohio are later attributed to other causes, such as bacterial infections or bites from other common spiders.
Identifying Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluses are often mistaken for other spiders. A key feature is a dark, violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax (fused head and body). The “neck” of this violin shape points towards the spider’s abdomen. The marking can vary in intensity and may be less apparent in younger spiders.
Unlike most spiders with eight eyes, brown recluses possess six eyes arranged in three pairs, forming a semicircle across the front of their cephalothorax. Their legs are uniformly light-colored, without stripes or bands, and lack conspicuous spines. The abdomen is also uniformly colored, ranging from whitish to dark brown or grayish, and does not display patterns. Adult brown recluses are small, measuring 6 to 20 millimeters, or about the size of a U.S. quarter including their legs.
Common Spiders Mistaken for Brown Recluse in Ohio
Many Ohio spiders are confused with the brown recluse. Wolf spiders, for instance, are often mistaken due to their brown coloration and body shape. Wolf spiders are larger, hairier, have eight eyes (often in three rows), and lack the violin marking. They are active hunters and do not spin webs to catch prey, unlike brown recluses which use irregular webs for shelter.
Yellow sac spiders are another frequently misidentified group. They are pale yellow to light tan, may have a faint abdominal stripe, but lack the violin shape. They have eight eyes and build small silken sacs. Hobo spiders, while brown, are primarily found in the Pacific Northwest and not established in Ohio; they have different eye arrangements and may display faint chevron patterns. Funnel weaver spiders, common in Ohio, build characteristic sheet-like webs with a funnel retreat and have distinct patterns that differentiate them.
What to Do If You Encounter a Suspected Brown Recluse
If you find a suspected brown recluse, avoid direct contact and remain calm. For identification, safely capture the spider by placing a clear jar or cup over it, then sliding stiff paper underneath. This allows for observation or transport to an expert. Contacting a local extension office or entomologist can provide accurate identification.
For a suspected brown recluse bite, clean the affected area with soap and water. A cold compress or ice pack reduces swelling and discomfort. Most bites are mild, healing without significant issues, often resolving within days to weeks. If the bite site worsens (increasing pain, spreading redness, blistering, or an open sore) or if systemic symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, or body aches develop, seek medical attention. Bringing the captured spider, even if deceased, to the medical professional aids identification.