The Differences between Brown Recluse and House Spiders

Spiders are an important part of our environment and can be found in a variety of different places. Two particular species of spider are the brown recluse and the house spider, both of which have distinctive characteristics and behaviors. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the differences between these two spiders and how to identify them.

Overview of Brown Recluse and House Spiders

The brown recluse and the house spider are two species of spider that are commonly found in the United States. The brown recluse is a medium-sized spider that is light to dark brown in color. It has a distinct violin-shaped marking on its back. The house spider, on the other hand, is a small spider that is typically gray to brown in color. It has long legs and a rounded abdomen. Both spiders are harmless to humans and typically remain in their webs during the day.

Physical Characteristics

The brown recluse is a medium-sized spider that ranges in size from 6 to 20 millimeters in body length. It is light to dark brown in color and has a distinct violin-shaped marking on its back. Its legs are long and thin, and it has six eyes arranged in three pairs. The house spider, on the other hand, is a small spider that ranges in size from 3 to 10 millimeters in body length. It is typically gray to brown in color and has long legs and a rounded abdomen. Its legs are shorter than those of the brown recluse and it has eight eyes arranged in two rows.

Habitats and Behaviors

The brown recluse is typically found in dark, undisturbed areas such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces. It prefers dry, warm climates and is most active at night. The house spider, on the other hand, is typically found in and around homes and other structures. It prefers moist, cool climates and is most active during the day. Both spiders usually remain in their webs during the day and hunt for prey at night.

How to Identify Brown Recluse and House Spiders

The brown recluse can be easily identified by its distinct violin-shaped marking on its back. It also has long, thin legs and six eyes arranged in three pairs. The house spider, on the other hand, can be identified by its small size, long legs, and eight eyes arranged in two rows.

Conclusion

The brown recluse and house spider are two species of spider that are commonly found in the United States. While they have some similarities, they can be easily distinguished by their physical characteristics and behavior. Knowing how to identify these two types of spiders can help you to protect your home and family from potential bites.