While most spiders are harmless to human beings, the Brown Recluse spider is one species that has the potential to be quite the opposite. Native to the Southwest and Midwest United States, the Brown Recluse's bite results in ulceration and a deep scar, and can sometimes be fatal. However, if one is able to recognize and anticipate the spider's behavior, they will most likely be able to avoid being bitten.

The Brown Recluse seeks its prey at night and spends the day in a dark, undisturbed corner. During the day, they may spin an irregular, poorly built web. They lay eggs in a ½ inch long off-white egg sac. These egg sacs often appear flattened on the bottom and round on the top. The spiderlings emerge from the egg sac after about 30 days and reach maturity after 10 to 12 months. The Brown Recluse is very shy and will usually run away from humans. However, they will bite if threatened.

Luckily, the Brown Recluse Spider is quite easy to recognize, with several distinctive features that hold it apart from other spiders. For example, while most spiders have eight eyes, the Brown Recluse only has six, arranged in pairs. Another feature is the violin shaped marking found on the spider's thorax. While it is usually quite distinct in adults of the species, some juveniles have no pigmentation difference. In addition, the marking tends to fade in captivity. There are also other species of non-harmful spiders that share the 'fiddle-back' marking. However, Brown Recluse spiders also have abdomens that have no pattern, and their legs are covered with fine hairs but have no thicker ones. They are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.

The physical reaction to the bite of a Brown Recluse can range from no reaction at all to fatal. Most people fall at the middle of the range. Bites most often occur when people are putting on a shoe or a piece of clothing that the Brown Recluse has chosen to make its daytime hiding place. After being bitten by a Brown Recluse, there is usually no reaction until about eight hours later when the area around the bite becomes red and painful. The bite area then develops into an ulcerous sore, which can range in size from 0.5 to 10 inches in diameter. This sore often requires a month or more to heal and often leaves behind a deep scar. If one thinks they have been bitten by a Brown Recluse, they should try to capture the specimen for identification, as the symptoms of the bite can be difficult to diagnose.

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The Brown Recluse Spider reaches sexual maturity at around ten to twelve months of age. The female will typically lay her eggs in dark secluded areas. They will hatch in 24 to 36 days.