Violin Spiders

Family Sicariidae

Of all the spiders in North America, the Brown Recluse is the most deadly. You've probably heard stories about people looking through boxes or putting on an old shoe and dying several hours later from a spider bite. The culprit: the Brown Recluse. Despite their bad publicity, however, not all violin spiders are deadly.

Physical Features

The term "violin" refers to the peculiar dark brown or black violin-shaped marking extending from the head to the abdomen. Violin spiders range in size from 1/4" to 3/8". They have six eyes arranged in three pairs. There are two small claws on each foot. Webs are irregularly shaped.

Diet

Insects and other small arthropods.

Habitat

North America, primarily in the southern states. Violin spiders usually live in piles of debris, under rocks, and in dark, undisturbed areas in houses (i.e. under furniture, in boxes and old shoes).

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Females create the egg sac near winter and guard it until they die. The spiderlings hatch in the spring.