How to Accurately Identify the Brown Recluse Spider

Your first clue to identify the brown recluse spider will be location.  The brown recluse spider is usually found in the south and parts of the east coast (although more dense on the east coast).  More specifically the brown recluse spider likes to hide under things.  Think twice and be careful when you go to clean your garage, or under your porch. 

Another great clue to identify the brown recluse spider is by size.  The brown recluse spider is very tiny; it is often compared to quarters and pennies.  The brown recluse spider will never grow over about a half an inch (body size) and little over an inch with leg span. 

Perhaps one of the most popular ways to identify the brown recluse spider is by the violin shaped pattern on its back.  This is NOT a good way to identify the brown recluse spider, however, because—first—this will require you to get close to the spider.  Second, many other spiders have similar markings that may become confused with the brown recluse.

A more accurate way to identify the brown recluse spider is by their eyes.  Brown recluse spiders are among a few select groups of spiders to have six eyes (in two sets of three).  Again, don’t get close to try to count the eyes, but if you have a nice camera phone on hand with a zoom, go for it. 

If you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, pull out your camera phone and try to get a good picture of it (from a safe distance obviously).  Taking a picture or capturing the spider can help you be treated accurately if you are bitten.