Many people encounter spiders all the time but don’t know their type or classification. A common encounter is a spider that looks like a brown recluse spider. This article will discuss the features and characteristics of spiders that look similar to brown recluses as well as how to identify and tell the difference between the two.
What is a Brown Recluse Spider?
A brown recluse spider is one of the most well-known poisonous spiders in the United States. It has a characteristic dark-brown or fawn-coloured body, a violin-shaped marking on its back and thin legs. This spider is rarely seen due to its secretive and mostly nocturnal nature. They can grow up to a half-inch in size, but will sometimes span even larger than this. Brown recluse spiders are most often found in dark, undisturbed and protected areas such as woodpiles, under stones, in basements and attics.
What Are Some Other Spiders that Look Like Brown Recluses?
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders have a body shape that is similar to that of the brown recluse spider, with their long legs and dark brownish colour. They are much larger than the brown recluse, however, and may grow to be up to an inch and a half long. This species of spider is common all across the globe, and they will often be found near or even in homes. Wolf spiders may be mistaken for brown recluses at first glance, but upon closer inspection they can be distinguished by their striped legs and larger size.
Barn Funnel Weaver Spiders
Barn funnel weaver spiders are another species of spider that can easily be mistaken for a brown recluse. This species is typically found in barns, sheds and other outbuildings and they are usually much darker brown than the brown recluse spider. They also have a distinctly large, bulbous abdomen and are much larger in size than the brown recluse, growing to a span of nearly two inches.
Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders are commonly mistaken for brown recluses as they have a similar body shape, but with longer and thinner legs. They can grow to be up to an inch long and have a pale yellow-brown colour. These spiders are much more common than brown recluses, and can typically be found in the corners of basements, ceilings, and even in garages.
How to Identify a Brown Recluse Spider?
Brown recluse spiders are relatively easy to identify if you know what to look for. The two biggest identification features of the brown recluse are its distinctive violin-shaped marking on its back, and its long thin legs. Other characteristics to look for include its fawn-coloured body, small size and dark, undisturbed hide-outs.
People Also Ask
What does a brown recluse spider look like?
A brown recluse spider is usually a dark or fawn-coloured brown, with a distinctive violin-shaped marking on its back and thin long legs. It usually grows up to a half-inch long and is found in dark, undisturbed places such as attics, basements, and woodpiles.
Are there other spiders that look like brown recluses?
Yes, there are other spiders that may be mistaken for a brown recluse, such as wolf spiders, barn funnel weaver spiders and cellar spiders. These spiders usually have a body shape that is similar to the brown recluse, but with longer and thinner legs, or larger and bulbous abdomens.
Where do brown recluses typically hide?
Brown recluses typically hide in dark and undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, behind furniture, in piles of leaves, under stones, and in basements and attics.
Is it possible to tell a brown recluse from a wolf spider?
Yes, it is possible to tell a brown recluse from a wolf spider. The brown recluse has a characteristic violin-shaped marking on its back and thin legs. Wolf spiders, on the other hand, have striped legs and are much larger than the brown recluse, typically up to an inch and a half in length.
Are brown recluse spiders dangerous?
Yes, brown recluse spiders are dangerous, as they have a potent venom that can be harmful to humans. It is important to take care when handling any spider, especially if it looks like it could be a brown recluse.
Final Words
Identifying spiders that look like brown recluses can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Wolf spiders, barn funnel weaver spiders and cellar spiders are the most common types of spiders that may be mistaken for a brown recluse. Be sure to take care when handling any spider and if you suspect you have a brown recluse, call an expert for help in identification and removal.