Brown Recluse

Detailed Description

This is not an established species in Florida. It is recognized by the distinctive dark violin-shaped mark located on the head and thorax. The brown recluse is a medium-sized spider about 1/4 to 1/2 " long. It is light tan to deep reddish-brown. It is usually found is sheds, garages or areas of homes that are undisturbed and contain a supply of insects to serve as food. Favorite hiding places seem to be in arms and legs of garments left hanging for some time or beds that have been unoccupied for long periods of time. Persons bitten by this spider usually do not feel pain for two to three hours. A blister arises at the site of the bite, followed by inflammation. Eventually the tissue is killed, leaving a sunken sore. Healing may take as ling as six to eight weeks.