Arizona Brown Spider
Physical Features
Arizona Brown Spider is a species of brown recluse spiders found in Arizona. It has two body parts and eight legs, a distinct violin shaped marking on top of head, 3 sets of eyes, 1/4 to 1/2 inches long with long thin legs, and yellowish to light brown color.
Life Cycle
Gradual metamorphosis
Arizona Brown Spiders develop from an egg, spiderlings, subadult to an adult. The process begins after mating which occurs during February to October. 40-50 eggs are deposited in silken egg cases. Females produce 1-5 egg cases during their lifetime. Spiderlings mature in about one year after completing a series of molts. Live an average of 2 – 4 years.
Habits
- Diet: Small insects caught in webs or hunted. Can survive 6-12 months without food.
- Activity: Hunt at night
- Preferred Climate: Temperate climate
- Defense: Toxic bite and violin marking on head which scares its predators.
- Cautions: Bite may cause necrosis if enough venom is injected. Consult a physician if bitten by a recluse.
- Home Invasion: Primarily found outdoors, an Arizona Brown Spider may be seen hiding in cracks or crevices during the day and actively about at night. It is possible to find their shed skins on surfaces.
Helpful Hints for Control
- Removal of trash or debris (woodpiles, boxes, tires, etc.) stored around the home.
- Seal openings in the home that could be entry points.
- Recommend regular pest control service plan.
Interesting Fact
It is thought that the number of necrotic wounds attributed to brown recluse bites is highly misdiagnosed.
Symptoms
Little to no pain at time of bite. Pain may develop in the first few hours. The bite may become inflamed with blister formations developed twelve hours to days following the bite. It can be described as “bulls-eye lesion” meaning, a dark center of dead skin is outlined by white and set on a red and inflamed background. Symptoms including vomiting, nausea and malaise appear in the first twenty-four hours.
