Though less venemous, smaller in size and less aggressive in nature than the black widow, the brown recluse spider can be dangerous to human beings. It inhabits many midwestern, southern and western states in the U.S.This spider ranges in color from a dull, earthen yellow to brown, and can be distinguished by the dark, violin-shaped mark on its head/chest segment. Because of this distinctive marking, the brown recluse is also sometimes referred to as the "violin spider."

The venom of the brown recluse rarely causes any sort of serious, long-term injury to adults, but can result in severe pain, weeks of intense discomfort and an unsightly, slow-healing wound for the unfortunate victim. The bite itself usually occasions little or no pain: Victims often cannot recall exactly where or when they were bitten. Within two to eight hours, however, the venom starts to take effect. The area immediately around the puncture swells, forming an ugly, raised welt that progressively spreads and worsens over the course of the next 7 to 14 days. Nearby skin often peels off down to the underlying tissue, and the entire area becomes dry, black and gangrenous. In serious cases, the victim may be bedridden for several weeks and wind up with a very nasty looking scar.

The recluse is so-named because of its preference for dark, secluded spaces such as under rocks and deadwood outdoors, or tucked away in the remote corners of closets and basements indoors. Shoes, clothing, bedding and stacks of paper are also favorite in-home hideouts.