About Common Brown Spiders
The common brown spider or the brown recluse spider is a member of the family Sicariidae. This particular family of spiders only has six eyes instead of the normal eight. The brown spider's scientific name is Loxosceles recluse and it measures between 6 to 20 mm. Its coloring can range from tan to deep brown. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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The mature common brown spider can be identified by a marking on its back that resembles the shape of a violin. Its body, including its long, thin legs, is covered with fine hairs that give it a velvety appearance. Males are usually smaller than the females although they do have longer legs. Both sexes of the common brown spider are able to produce venom.
Habitat
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The common brown spider is a natural inhabitant of the United States. It is typically found in the southern Midwest extending to the Gulf of Mexico. The common brown spider builds irregularly-shaped webs that are made up of disordered threads. The webs are usually found in sheds, closets and garages as these spiders prefer quiet and undisturbed locations. Common brown spiders are nocturnal and leave their webs to hunt at night. Typically, the females do not wander far off and remain near their webs.
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Life Cycle
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Female common brown spiders usually lay their eggs in the months of May through July. Each batch contains an average of 50 eggs that are placed in a white sac with a diameter of 2/3-inch. Females are capable of producing numerous egg sacs in a period composed of several months. The incubation of the eggs lasts less than a month, after which spiderlings emerge. The development of the common brown spider is slow and is largely influenced by the weather and abundance of food. It takes a year before the spider can reach maturity. Its average life span is one to two years although it is capable of surviving up to six months without food or water.
Venom
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The common brown spider is not aggressive and actual bites from this particular variety of spider are rare. Usually, bites result when the spider comes in contact with the skin, such as when it is tangled in clothes. The symptoms of a bite range from the cutaneous (those found in the skin) to systemic, which is considered more serious. Those with damaged immune systems can experience organ damage or death. However, these situations are extremely uncommon.
Treatment
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Treatments for bites from the common brown spider mostly address the inflammation that follows it. The application of aloe vera may also soothe pain. Usually, bites from the common brown spider do not need any special medication and heal on their own. However, it is still necessary to visit the doctor so that the infected area can be inspected because there are some situations wherein the spread of venom causes injury.
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