• Some spiders like moisture and are found in basements, crawl spaces and other damp parts of buildings

• Others like dry, warm areas such as sub-floor air vents, upper corners of rooms and attics

• Hide in dark areas

• Feed on insects

• Produce an egg sac

• This spider is most common to the southern states, but occasionally find its' way northward

• May grow to have a body about 5/8-inch in length and a leg span of about one and a half inches in diameter

• The name brown recluse is the correct terminology for this spider, a more common name "fiddle back spider"

• Generally hides in closets, old storage boxes and trunks, crawl spaces in homes and in stored clothing

• Outdoors, it will be found under rocks and in abandoned buildings

The bites of these spiders initially burn and itch, or in some cases, offer no distress to the victim. A small red bite will appear within 2-10 hours. The bite of this spider may develop into a bulls eye or halo shape with a blister in the center. The area in and around the bite mark becomes dark red or blackish-blue. Following this discoloration, the tissue begins to be digested away and eventually falls off. The process is due to the action of the venom. Recovery time varies with the individual and often leaves scar tissue as a reminder of the encounter.

This bite demands medical attention immediately. If possible, attempt to catch and keep the spider. The poison center should be contacted as soon as a suspected bite occurs.