BROWN RECLUSE

There are no brown recluse spider populations in California.

This is contrary to popular belief…there have been sightings of the arachnids in the state but it is believed they were transported here from the Midwest via people relocating to the state. While there are 100 species of recluse spiders, only a handful can be found in California, and like I mentioned before, the brown recluse is not one of them. Species of recluse spiders found in parts of California include: Desert recluse, Chilean recluse, Russell’s recluse, Martha's recluse, Baja recluse and the Arizona recluse.

Think you found a brown recluse spider? Here’s a great visual of how to identify and even misidentify the brown recluse spider. One way to identify any recluse spider is by looking at their eyes. Most spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows of four but recluses have six eyes arranged in three pairs.

All species of recluse spiders are poisonous (venomous) and are known for their necrotic bite (early death of living cells and tissues). But, most species of recluse spiders are considered pretty laid back…with the exception of the Chilean recluse.

Did you know that recluse is actually from the Latin word recludere which means “sequester?” This name is very appropriate from the recluse family of spider because they love to hide in tree bark, wood piles and even behind picture frames on the wall when in houses.

BLACK WIDOW

The female                                         The male

Both together

Curious Facts

The Black Widow is considered the most venomous spider in North America.

Males about half the female's size, with smaller bodies, and longer legs

Males usually have yellow and red bands and spots over the back as do the immature stages.

Females usually have a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of her abdomen. Some species have a series of red spots and two crosswise bars on the underbelly.

The venom of the black widow spider is 15 times as toxic as the venom of the prairie rattlesnake.

Only the female Black Widow is dangerous to humans; males and juveniles are harmless.

Newly hatched spiderlings are predominately white or yellowish-white, gradually acquiring more black and varying amounts of red and white with each molt.

The female Black Widow will, on occasion, kill and eat the male after they mate.

More than 35,000 spider species of spiders occur in the World.

About 3,400 species in 64 families are found in North America.

Vital Stats

Weight: 1 gram. Length: 1-1.5" Span: 1-3"

Sexual Maturity: 70-90 days. Mating Season: Spring

Incubation: 14-30 days  No. of Eggs: 250-700/sac

Birth Interval: 4 to 9 egg sacs/summer

Lifespan: up to 3 years

Typical diet: insects