TEXAS RECLUSE
Scientific name
Loxosceles devia
Size
The average size of mature Texas Recluse spiders is approximately 1/3 of an inch, with a leg span of 1 to 1.5 inches. Male and female are similar in size.
Description
Texas Recluse spiders are generally yellowish-brown to tan in color. The typical violin shaped marking of the recluse spiders is not apparent on the Texas Recluse. The abdomen is a uniform color, with no markings on it.
Texas Recluse spiders, and the other related recluse spiders, have six eyes arranged in three pairs of two. This is a rather unique feature, as most spiders have eight eyes. A magnified view of the eyes can be seen in a photo below.
Distribution
The Texas Recluse is found in Texas. Outside of the United States, the Texas Recluse is found in
Mexico.
Map does not show area of true distribution, only the states in which there is a population.
Actual distribution in any highlighted state may be limited.
Notes
The Texas Recluse is assumed to have a necrotic bite like that of other recluse spiders, though little is actually known about its venom. A necrotic bite causes severe damage to the skin and surrounding tissue, resulting in a large open sore, called a necrotic lesion, that takes a long time to heal.
Often the Recluse spiders are called Violin Spiders or Fiddleback Spiders, because of the characteristic violin marking. Not all recluse spiders have the Violin marking, such as the Texas Recluse which lacks the violin. Recluse spiders are also called Brown Spiders in some areas.
Magnified eyes of a recluse spider. Note there are only six eyes, arranged in three pairs.
Most spiders have eight eyes.
Photo used by permission:
© Jim Kalisch
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
For more information on dangerously venomous spiders, please see the Venomous Links page.
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
Change your Cookies Preferences