Brown recluses are usually between .25 and .75 inches in size, including the legs, but may grow to larger sizes. They are a light brown to dark yellow color, and sometimes exhibit a marking resembling a violin on the top of the head. Recluses differ from most other types of spider in that they have six eyes instead of the usual eight.

Recluses build irregularly shaped webs, and are usually found in dry, usually undisturbed places like woodpiles, sheds, cellars, garages, etc. The webs are not used to capture prey; like the wolf spider, they leave their webs to hunt for prey. When they find their way into human habitations they prefer cardboard shelters, but will also nest in infrequently used beds, shoes, clothing, behind pictures and baseboards, or near furnaces. Most recluse bites occur when these areas are being cleaned; the spider feels threatened by the invasion of its space and attacks the invader.

The venom of the brown recluse causes the destruction of the cell membranes surrounding the bite, which causes the breakdown of skin, fat, and blood vessels in the immediate area of the wound. Over time, it may lead to the death of the tissues surrounding the wound, a condition known as necrosis. In rare cases there are serious side-effects, including the destruction of red blood cells, a low platelet count, blood clots in capillaries and reduced clotting ability in other blood vessels, kidney damage, coma, and even death. No deaths have ever been reported in persons over the age of 7, and deaths resulting from a brown recluse bite are very rare.

Victims are usually unaware that they have bitten at first, as there is very little pain from the bite itself. Within 4 hours there will be severe pain at the bitten area, and it will begin to swell; victims may also experience nausea, fever, and severe itching. The bitten area will initially be red, but will fade to a pallor surrounded by a red ring, similar to a bullseye, as it swells. A blister will form at the center of the swelling, which will sink into the bitten area over the course of 12-48 hours, turning bluish and then black as the skin tissue dies. The underlying fat may also die, but this is more rare. The wound may develop into a necrotic lesion, but this too is rare.

If you believe you have been bitten by a brown recluse, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If possible, bring the spider that bit you, to aid the doctor in diagnosing the wound. Wash the bitten area with cool water and mild soap (such as hand soap), and apply ice to slow the spread of the venom. Your doctor may also recommend a tetanus shot, and follow up visits may be required to remove necrotic tissue in order to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

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