Understanding the Violin Spider (Brown Recluse)
The violin spider, also known as the brown recluse spider, gets its name from the violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax (fused head and thorax). While most spiders are harmless, the violin spider does have venom capable of causing skin lesions in some cases if bitten. Learning to identify violin spiders can help avoid encounters.
Violin Spider Appearance and Size
Violin spiders have a round, oval-shaped abdomen and long, thin legs. Their bodies are uniformly light to dark brown. The violin marking appears darker brown or black against the lighter body.
Adult violin spiders are about 6-20 mm (0.25-0.8 inches) in body length when fully grown. Their leg span can reach up to 5 cm (2 inches). Males are smaller than females on average.
Distinctive Violin Marking
The violin marking is the most distinguishable feature of this spider. It has a narrow "neck" leading into a wider oval or fiddle-shaped body set at an angle. In younger spiders, the violin shape may appear less defined.
The violin marking can occur on the front segment of the body or farther back on the abdomen. It is not always highly visible depending on how splayed out the spider's legs are.
Where Violin Spiders Live
Violin spiders live primarily in the south-central and Midwestern United States. States such as Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri have the highest populations.
They prefer warm, dry environments and are most abundant in attics, crawl spaces, barns, wooded areas, and unused outbuildings. They can sometimes make their way indoors if there are cracks or openings for entry.
How to Identify a Violin Spider
Use these identifying characteristics in addition to the violin marking to determine if a spider is a violin spider:
- 6 equal-length legs with fine hairs
- Uniform light to dark brown coloring on legs and body
- Prominent eyes arranged in three rows of four
- Leg span around 2 inches when fully grown
- Moves at a slow pace
- Nospikey hairs on legs or abdomen
- Presence in Midwestern, South-central states
Differences Between Males and Females
Male violin spiders are smaller with longer legs relative to their body size. The tips of their pedipalps (mouthparts) are enlarged into boxing-glove shapes rather than simple rounded ends.
Females are larger, around 3/4 inch long, with shorter, thicker legs. Their pedipalps lack the enlarged tips.
Egg Sac Identification
Female violin spiders produce spherical off-white egg sacs made of dense silk. Each sac holds 20-50 eggs. The female guards the egg sac, carrying it beneath her body clamped in her chelicerae (mouth appendages).
Eggs incubate for 1-2 months before hatching. The spiderlings cling to the female briefly before dispersing.
Pictures of Violin Spiders
Here are some pictures of violin spiders (brown recluse spiders) to help with identification:
Violin spider with prominent violin-shaped marking on abdomen and six equal-length legs. Note the three rows of four eyes.
View from above shows violin marking on front segment of the cephalothorax and arrangement of the eyes.
Front view highlighting the three rows of four small eyes and the violin spider's chelicerae (mouth appendages).
Close up of the eyes and fangs (chelicerae) of a brown recluse spider.
Other Brown Spiders vs. Violin Spiders
Many harmless brown spiders can be mistaken for violin spiders. Learn how to tell them apart:
Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders have very long, thin legs and small bodies. Their legs are banded with alternating dark and light segments. The dark bands help distinguish them from violin spiders.
Fishing Spiders
Fishing spiders are much larger than violin spiders, around 1 inch long. They have dark brown bands on their legs and spikey hairs on their hind legs and abdomen.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders have mottled gray, brown, and black coloring rather than a uniform brown. Their eyes are very large and arranged in three rows of 2-4 eyes each.
Dark Fishing Spiders
Dark fishing spiders are all dark brown and resemble violin spiders but lack the distinctive violin marking. Their legs have faint lighter brown banding.
Parson Spiders
Parson spiders have a grey-brown cephalothorax and brown abdomen with white markings. Their legs do not have spines or hairs.
Violin Spider Bites and Treatment
Though violin spiders do have venom, most bites do not result in severe reactions. Bites usually feel like a pinprick or minor bee sting. Treatment involves:
- Cleaning the bite with soap and water
- Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Keeping the wound covered
- Using over-the-counter pain medication as needed
See a doctor if you experience increased pain, swelling, blisters, or get sick within a couple days of a bite. Signs of infection require antibiotic treatment.
While violin spider venom can destroy tissue, serious reactions are uncommon. Seek immediate care if the bite site spreads, becomes necrotic, or fails to heal within 1-2 weeks.
Preventing Violin Spider Bites and Infestations
To avoid encounters with violin spiders:
- Seal cracks and openings in your homes foundation and walls
- Store boxes off the floor and inspect items before touching
- Wear gloves and protective clothing in basements/attics
- Clear out clutter and debris piles where spiders nest
- Install insect screens on windows and doors
- Use sticky traps to monitor for spiders
Inspect childrens toys, shoes, and clothing stored in closets before use. Call a pest control professional if you find multiple violin spiders in your home.
Key Takeaways on Violin Spiders
- Look for the distinctive violin-shaped marking and eye arrangement
- Found primarily in Midwestern, South-central states
- Prefer warm, dry locations like attics and barns
- Bites rarely cause severe reactions
- Their venom can damage tissue if bites become infected
- Seal openings into home and declutter to deter spiders
Learning to identify violin spiders can prevent concerning bites. Address infestations promptly and use care when cleaning storage areas or structures where these spiders reside.
FAQs
Where are violin spiders found?
Violin spiders reside mainly in the south-central and Midwestern regions of the United States, especially in states like Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
Can violin spiders climb smooth surfaces?
Yes, violin spiders can climb smooth vertical surfaces like walls, mirrors, windows, and appliances despite lacking sticky toe pads.
What does a violin spider bite feel like?
A violin spider bite usually feels like a minor pinprick or bee sting at first. Serious symptoms are rare but can include pain, itching, blisters, and dead skin tissue.
How do you treat a violin spider bite?
Clean the bite, apply ice, keep it covered, and use over-the-counter pain medication. Seek medical care if you experience severe pain, swelling, or flu-like illness.
How big do violin spiders get?
Adult violin spiders reach 6-20 mm (0.25-0.8 inches) in body length. Their leg span when fully grown can extend to around 2 inches.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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