The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider (derived from the free English translation: brown recluse/violin), is a dangerous animal whose bite can make children and adults sick. This spider has an unusual appearance; with only six pairs of eyes (most spiders have eight) and a violin-shaped pattern on its back. If you live in an area that has a population of these spiders, learn to recognize them. Read more about the how-to:
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Traits
Step 1. Look at the spider's color
The violin spider is sand-brown in color with a slightly darker pattern in the center of the body. The spider's legs are slightly lighter in color, but in harmony with the body color. The violin spider's legs do not have a particular pattern.
- If the spider has stripes or other pigmentation on the legs, it is not a violin spider.
- If the spider has more than two types of pigmentation on its body, then it is also not a violin spider.
- If the spider's legs are darker than its body, it is not a violin spider.
Step 2. Check the shape of the violin on the spider's body
The color will be slightly darker than the color of the rest of the body (cephalothorax). The shape of the violin is not very clear, so you may not see it as a musical instrument.
- Many spiders have this pattern on their bodies, so you can't identify a spider as a violin spider based solely on that pattern.
- Again, check the color on the violin shape. If the color has several spots of different pigmentation, then it is not a violin spider.
Step 3. Count the number of eyes
Unlike other spiders, the violin spider only has six pairs of eyes. One pair is located in the middle, while the rest are on either side of the spider's head. Because the eyes of these spiders are so small, it will be difficult for you to see them without using a magnifying glass. If it turns out that there are eight pairs of eyes, then it is not a violin spider.
Step 4. Look for fine hairs
The violin spider has many short, fine hairs on its body. Unlike other spiders, the violin spider does not have tiny spines on its body and legs. If you see small thorns, then the spider is not a violin spider.
Step 5. Check the width of the body
Violin spider body width will not grow more than 1.3 cm. If the spider you are examining is larger, then it is a different type of spider.
Part 2 of 3: Examining the Violin Spider Habitat
Step 1. Know the area where he lives
This area typically includes the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest of the United States. However, just because you don't live in these areas, it's not impossible that you'll run into violin spiders.
Step 2. Know where the violin spider likes to build its home
Violin cobwebs are usually not easy to find. They make it in places that are dry and rarely traveled by humans. Here are some places where a violin spider might live:
- Rotting tree wood
- house attic
- Basement
- Cupboard
- Warehouse
- Barn
- pile of wood
- Shoe
- Wardrobe
- Toilet
- Cardboard box
- Behind the painting/photo
- On an unused bed
Step 3. Find the net
Violin spider webs hang limp, sticky, and dull white or grayish in color. You won't find violin cobwebs between trees or walls - nests like these are only built by weaver spiders.
Part 3 of 3: Determining whether you have been bitten by a violin spider
Step 1. Feel the bite
The violin spider's initial bite is painless, which means you may not notice the bite for up to 8 hours from the time you were bitten. After that, the bite area will be red, tender, and swollen.
Step 2. Watch for other symptoms
Sometimes the bite itself is the worst symptom, but for sensitive adults and children, other symptoms can occur. See if these symptoms occur in your body:
- Shivering feeling
- Feeling unwell
- Fever
- Nauseous
- Sweating
Step 3. Immediately take medical steps
These spider bites can damage your tissues, and in some cases, put a person in a coma. Take medical action as soon as you become aware that you have been bitten by a violin spider. Violin spider bites are especially dangerous for children or the elderly, and can cause severe symptoms. While you are waiting for treatment from medical personnel, perform first aid:
- Wash the bite area with soap and water
- Apply ice for ten minutes, then leave for ten minutes too.
- Repeat these two steps until you reach the treatment site.
Tips
- Violin spiders usually enter homes through ventilation holes, door cracks, and wall crevices. Cover these holes to prevent them from getting in and sweep/use a vacuum cleaner to remove dead insects that might be a source of food for spiders.
- Shake/shake your seasonal items that have been stored in a dark place for a long time before you put them on.
- Violin spiders are rarely found during the day.
- Violin spiders can live from 2 to 4 years, and they prey on geckos, crickets, centipedes, and wolf spiders.
Warning
- If you live in an area with a population of violin spiders, always clean your blankets and bed sheets before you go to bed. Always check your shoes and footwear before using them; violin spiders may decide to visit these places at night.
- The violin spider is not actually an aggressive spider; it will only attack if it is trapped between your bodies - for example in the common case where you change your sleeping position or put on your clothes.
- These spiders are not capable of biting through clothing, so wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt when cleaning plastic bags, boxes, or other materials.
