Do Brown Recluse Spiders Live in Maine? An In-Depth Look

Do Brown Recluse Spiders Live in Maine?

Brown recluse spiders are one of the most feared spiders in North America due to their venomous bite. However, these spiders are not found in all parts of the United States. So do brown recluse spiders live in the state of Maine?

The answer is no. Brown recluse spiders are not established in Maine. While there have been a few isolated cases of brown recluse spiders being found in Maine over the years, experts believe these were incidents of spiders being accidentally transported into the state rather than evidence of an established population.

The Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is a venomous spider found in parts of the southern and midwestern United States. It gets its name from its color and habit of building irregular webs in secluded locations.

Brown recluse spiders have a violin-shaped pattern on their cephalothorax (fused head and thorax). Their bodies are yellowish-tan to dark brown in color and around 0.25 inches to 1 inch in size when fully grown. They have six equal-sized eyes arranged in pairs.

Brown recluse spiders build asymmetrical cobwebs in undisturbed areas like attics, closets, crawlspaces, cellars, barns, sheds, and garages. They are well-adapted for living indoors with humans and most bites occur when spiders get trapped against human skin.

Brown Recluse Range

The natural range of the brown recluse spider centers around the south-central United States. According to experts at the University of California, Riverside:

They are native to parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
In the western U.S., isolated populations have been found in Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
In the eastern U.S., they have been reported further east into Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and even New York state in rare cases.

As you can see, the range of the brown recluse spider covers the central plains, Midwest, Southeast, and some parts of the Southwest. But Maine, being located in the far Northeast, is well outside of its native territory.

Why Brown Recluses Don't Live in Maine

Maine has a cool, moist climate that isn't very hospitable to the brown recluse spider. Here are some reasons why these spiders don't thrive in Maine:

Climate - Brown recluse spiders prefer hot, dry conditions. They thrive in temperatures between 75-85F. Maine has cold winters and mild summers not suitable for the spiders.
Habitat - Brown recluses inhabit man-made structures and natural areas with rocky, woody debris. Maine's natural habitat of spruce-fir forests is not ideal terrain for them.
Prey - Their diet of crickets, cockroaches and other invertebrates aren't found as readily in Maine's environment.
Competition - Native Maine spiders like the goldenrod spider help keep recluse populations in check in suitable habitats.
Transportation - Maine is isolated from the Midwest/Southeast range of these spiders, making migration into the state unlikely.

For these reasons, experts say the climate and environment of Maine are inhospitable for brown recluse spiders to establish sizable breeding populations. A few individual spiders may be transported into the state accidentally in vehicles, luggage or products. But they are unlikely to survive Maine winters to reproduce.

Are There Any Brown Recluses in Maine?

While brown recluse spiders are not considered native or established in Maine, there have been a few isolated sightings and specimens found in the state over the decades:

In the 1960s, two female brown recluse spiders and one egg sac were recorded from Portland, Maine by arachnologist Willis J. Gertsch. But no established population was found.
In 2001, a brown recluse spider was found in Trenton, Maine at a school. Follow up surveys failed to uncover any additional spiders.
In 2013, a confirmed brown recluse was found in a home in South Berwick, Maine. Again, no population was found.

These discoveries likely represent accidental transports of spiders from out of state rather than proof they live in Maine. For example, the South Berwick brown recluse was thought to have hitched a ride in household items moved from Missouri.

How to Identify Brown Recluse Spiders

Since brown recluse sightings are so rare in Maine, it's important to properly identify any spider suspected of being a recluse. Here are some brown recluse identification tips:

Look for a dark brown violin-shaped marking on the top side of the spider's cephalothorax (head area).
The legs are uniformly light brown and hairy.
The legs have no stripes, bands or other markings.
The body is uniformly tan/brown with fine hairs that give it a velvety look under magnification.
Adults range from 1/4 inch to 1 inch in body length (leg span may be up to 2 inches).
The eyes are arranged in three pairs in a semi-circle pattern.

If the spider doesn't match these identifiers, then it likely isn't a brown recluse. Many harmless spiders are mistaken for brown recluses each year. It's a good idea to have any suspect spider identified by an expert arachnologist or entomologist.

Other Venomous Spiders in Maine

While brown recluses haven't established a presence in Maine, there are a few other spiders in the state that can deliver medically significant bites:

Black widow spider - The northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) does live in Maine. Luckily, bites are very rare.
Hobo spider - Debate continues on whether this spider native to Europe is dangerous. Regardless, bites are uncommon.
Yellow sac spider - Though their venom can cause injury, yellow sac spiders rarely bite people.

Spider bites of any kind are uncommon in Maine. And confirmed cases of dangerous spider bites are extremely rare. Take proper precautions when reaching into dark, undisturbed areas and wear gloves when handling items stored in basements, sheds and garages.

The Bottom Line

Brown recluse spiders are not established in Maine. A few individual spiders have been accidentally transported into the state over the years. But the species hasn't been able to thrive or reproduce due to Maine's cool climate and unsuitable habitat.

While Maine residents generally don't need to worry about brown recluses, it's wise to take precautions to avoid spider bites from dangerous native species like the northern black widow. Proper identification is also key to confirming brown recluse sightings, which are often cases of mistaken identity.

FAQs

Have brown recluse spiders ever been found in Maine?

Yes, a few individual brown recluse spiders have been recorded in Maine over the decades. But these were isolated incidents thought to be accidental transports, not evidence of an established population in the state.

What kind of habitat do brown recluse spiders prefer?

Brown recluse spiders favor hot, dry environments and are often found in human-made structures like attics, basements and sheds. Maine's cold climate and natural habitat of damp forests don't suit them.

How dangerous is a brown recluse spider bite?

Though rare, some brown recluse bites do cause severe skin lesions or systemic reactions. But most bites produce only mild symptoms or none at all. Medical attention is recommended.

What spiders in Maine can deliver medically significant bites?

Maine is home to two spiders capable of true toxicity to humans - the northern black widow and the controversial hobo spider. But bites from either species are extremely uncommon.

How can I identify a brown recluse spider?

Look for key brown recluse identifiers like a violin-shaped marking, uniformly colored legs with no bands, and six equal-sized eyes arranged in three pairs. Consult an expert if unsure.

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.