Brown recluse

Missouri Animals
Brown recluse (Loxosceles recluse)
Arthropoda: Arachnida: Spiders
Native North American arthropod

Habitat: woodlands, savanna
Diet: small crawling insects
ID Features: nearly hairless body, violin mark on cephalothorax
Natural History: The brown recluse is native to the warmer climates of the southern states, including southern Missouri,but has now has spread north and is found throughout the state. It lives indoors in small spaces provided by drawers, closets, and other human structures. Their webs are irregular. The bite of the brown recluse can produce a deep wound that is slow to heal.