Oh, what a tangled web we weave: The Recluse

Chilean recluse

Withdrawn, estranged, hidden from society – these are the words that come to mind when thinking of someone or something recluse. However, hidden things can only stay masked for so long…right?

Recluse spiders can be seen worldwide – so to speak. They are present, but usually very well hidden. We may not see them but they are definitely aware of us as they have six eyes arranged in three pairs. Many recluse species have a violin-shaped pattern on their head, and they are often referred to as “fiddlebacks.” Recluse spiders hunt their prey, unlike some other spiders. They usually leave their flimsy web in search of their next victim. The bite of recluse spiders can be ugly. Human bites usually occur when people who are sleeping roll onto the spider or put on clothes into which the spider has crawled. Symptoms start 2-6 hours after the bite. Blisters frequently appear at the bite site, accompanied by severe pain, itching and swelling. The bite could possibly result in the death of skin cells with a sunken wound, leaving a scar. But keep in mind, almost all reported cases of brown recluse bites have not been confirmed. These estranged arachnids have no breeding population in Florida. However, they have been found a few times in Alachua, Bay, Duval, Jefferson and Leon counties. Be on the lookout for this masked creature. Remember – we may not see them, but they are watching.