Introducing--
THE BROWN RECLUSE

These past months Fogeyisms has taken a few close-up looks at the intriguing world of some spiders we have observed in our fields and woods. Here’s another peek at one of these critters—this variety one you need to be very careful to avoid in real life.

It is a Brown Recluse, deceased in the photo below, and being preserved in a jar of rubbing alcohol by Jan Ferrell a naturalist on the staff of the Gorman Nature Center.


This specimen was found in its current condition in an apartment in Centerburg, OH by a relative of Jan’s. The discovery itself is a chilling thought for Ohioans because that town is far north of this creature’s normal range.

Jan is not sure how the spider arrived in Centerburg but has suggested to local health officials if it has migrated naturally that far north, it is not impossible they could be found in Richland County.

Memorize what you are seeing here for your own safety. This little critter is usually light brown in natural color. It’s most diagnostic feature is the violin shaped mark on its back.

Adult brown recluse spiders have a leg span about the size of a quarter. Their body is about 3/8 inches long and about 3/16 inches wide. Males are slightly smaller in body length than females, but males have proportionally longer legs.

Both sexes are venomous.

These spiders are also commonly referred to as "fiddleback" spiders or "violin" spiders because of that marking on the top surface of the cephalothorax (fused head and thorax).

“However, this feature can be very faint depending on the species of recluse spider...or how recently the spider has molted,” explains Dr. Susan C. Jones, an assistant professor of Entomology at the Ohio State University.

The critter’s name refers to its color and habits. It is a reclusive creature that seeks and prefers seclusion.

The bite of the brown recluse spider can result in a painful, deep wound that takes a long time to heal. Fatalities are extremely rare, but bites are most dangerous to young children, the elderly, and those in poor physical condition according to an OSU web site which you can view by clicking here!