The Spider Research Project

...1...	Jim Mayer abstracted the following from "A Field Guide to Dangerous Animals of North America"
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...6...	Case Studies: Contemporary Issues in the Approach to Treating a Brown Recluse Bite With Photos
...7...	Montana State University Communications Services
...8...	Brown Recluse
...9...	Links To Many Other Sites Relative To The Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles)

Rarely fatal. 10 species of dangerous Brown Recluse spiders in North America and the West Indies. Also called Violin Spiders because of unique markings on their backs.

Description

Smaller and less dangerous than Black Widow

2-4cm leg span (medium sized spider)

yellow-tan to dark brown

three pairs of eyes (most spiders have 4 pairs)

violin shaped marking on the back

Distribution

southcentral states

AL, AK, GA, IL, IN, IA, KA, KY, LA, OH, OK, MS, MO (darn), TN, TX

localized pops also

AZ, WY, CA, FL, NJ, NC, PA, D.C. and I guess now Utah

relocation

relocated spiders can survive for extended periods and become est.

Habitat

inside parts of buildings which are dry, littered, undisturbed outside in protected areas (under loose bark)

Behavior

nonagressive and normally attempt escape bites when trapped in clothing or is inadvertently stepped on or victim disturbs it when cleaning closets or storage areas

Conflicting information/opinions

Black widow venom consists chiefly of proteins, a few of which are enzymatic. The lethal fraction appears to be a peptide that markedly affects neuromuscular transmission. Brown or violin spider venom consists of at least 10 to 12 proteins. Its enzyme activity is GREATER than that of Latrodectus venom. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration plays a major role in the poisoning but the mechanism is not understood.

Now, I guess it could be considered 'less dangerous' in terms of fatalities. But in terms of the tissue destruction - brown recluse wins the prize. I offer myself as proof.

Mike Quigley writes:

An Oregonian article about spider bites said that brown recluses haven't yet been found west of Nebraska, but the hobo spider is quite common out west. Their bite is similar, but not as severe, as the brown recluse.

 

From: Renee@cup.portal.com (Renee Linda Roberts)
Subject: Re: Brown recluse distribution?
Date: Thu,  8 Jul 93 09:12:08 PDT

Renee Roberts

From: scd@atria.com (Steve Daukas)
Subject: Re: Brown recluse distribution?
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1993 13:49:39 GMT

Subject: Re: Brown Recluse
X-Sun-Charset: US-ASCII
Content-Length: 5020
Status: RO

To: Multiple recipients of list 
Subject:      Re: Brown Recluse...

In fact, the professor at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville under whom I studied biochemistry move here precisely because he was studying the venom of the brown recluse, and geographically we truly are almost at the center of a large area in which they are found. He would send out 'spider teams' to likely sites, collecting sometimes hundreds of spiders in a single evening. He has a fascinating lecture on them (and in fact, on insect venoms in general). He was (and I suppose still is) in great demand when doctors were trying to confirm a brown recluse bite, because he could positively tell from even very small fragments (which was what was usually left of the spider if the victim saw or felt it) if a spider was or wasn't a brown recluse.

He and his students spent years studying the necrosis which Dale described (in wonderfully explicit and gory detail) to determine the cause and attempt to develop better treatment that the steroids, painkillers, and often surgery that Dale endured. Interestingly, they had difficulty finding a lab animal that reacted with a necrosis. Rats are apparently immune to brown recluse venom, and mice showed little reaction up to the point at which they died without ever developing a necrosis. He believes that many humans do not react to brown recluse venom with a necrosis (only the unlucky ones!) and I'd have to agree. Both my grandmother and my wife have been bitten by brown recluses. My grandmother developed a very small necrosis (less than 10 mm diameter), and my wife none at all. There may be a much larger number of people bitten each year in this area than are reported, because those of us who do not react may not even notice the bite.

Brown recluses are hunters, rather than web builders (they can spin but seldom do), and love warm, dry places, like stacked cloth or clothing, attics, etc. A large one, perhaps 3 years old, may have a leg span about the diameter of a silver dollar. We've seen them live in the bottom of an open jar, in which they became trapped, for several months without food or water. Most people who are bitten are bitten because they exert pressure on the spider without seeing it - just as Dale describes moving the clothing with his body. (They know a person is too large to eat and will usually not bite if left alone. My former teacher has had one walk the length of his body, inside his clothing, without biting.)

Unfortunately, they did not come up with any improvement in treatment, partly because (again, as Dale describes), most people do not know they've been bitten for some time. (My wife didn't realize she had been bitten by a brown recluse which crawled into bed with her until the following morning, when her arm was slightly swollen. Since she didn't develop a necrosis, she needed only a steroid injection, was never in severe discomfort, and was quite recovered within a few days.)

Having known several brown recluse victims who went through the entire grisly scenario Dale covered, he has my most sincere sympathy.

Steve

To: Multiple recipients of list 
Subject:      Black widows

He had some footage of a victim (who had the venom reach the bloodstream) suffering the characteristic muscle twitches and spasms ("fasiculations", if I remember rightly - it's been a long time). I gather that though most people don't die, the process is very painful and full recovery may be slow.

BTW, although most black widows have the red mark, not all do - I've seen slides of specimens ranging from totally black and unmarked, to mostly covered with red markings. Kinda like rattlesnakes appearing in a variety of color forms, I guess.

Steve

From listserv@jr.hpl.hp.com Wed Jul 28 21:39 PDT 1993
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 93 21:39:31 -0700
Comment:  Carnivorous Plants Distribution List
Originator: cp@opus
Version: 5.41 -- Copyright (c) 1991/92, Anastasios Kotsikonas
From: "Gordon C. Snelling" <72203.127@CompuServe.COM>
To: Multiple recipients of list 
Subject: ARACHNOPHOBIA and STUFF

The one part about all this spider hype that really annoys me is that never is any mention made of the fact that under the right conditions most other spider bites can produce symptoms almost indentical to those of Loxosceles.Thats not to say that the bite of Loxosceles is not serious,it can be very serious indeed as we keep hearing.but I feel it's inaccurate to ascribe the problem to one creature without a specimen in hand to make a positive I.D. but alas "Women Bitten by jumping spider,almost loses head" won't sell many papers. I currently work in the pest control field,next to killer bees and black widow spiders we get more questions about Loxosceles than any other arthropod.Unfortunately our industry preys on the fears of the layman, As a result I spend a great deal of time trying to educate our customers and technicians in these areas.

Depending on which taxonomist you listen to we have one or two species of blackwidow here in the states.the form we are most familiar with is the typical all black with red hourglass, however the other species is black and often has red and white patterning on the upper surface of the abdomen,for a person unfamiliar with this spider, this can be very confusing when it comes to indentifications.We have bothforms/species here in California,although the all balck form is by far the most common. Another confusing fact is the "hourglass" is often not of the expected shape.THe Australian "Red Back spider" belongs to the same genus to the best of my knowledge and if our north american species has been introduced down under there is indeed a possibility of hybridization "yuck" although I seriously doubt there would be any kind of super spider produced as a result,just a mass of intermediate forms, hey kind of sounds like botanical hybrids.

Alternative Sources

Brown Recluse Spider

August 1996

Brown Recluse Spider

SIZE: 1/4 to 3/4 inch (6.4-19.1mm)

COLOR: Golden brown

DESCRIPTION: Brown recluse spiders belong to a group of spiders commonly known as violin spiders or fiddlebacks. This is because of a characteristic fiddle-shaped pattern they have on their head region. The spider is golden brown with the fiddle being dark brown or black. This spider is not hairy and the fiddle pattern is often shiny. They are about 1/4 to 3/4 inch long.

HABITAT: Brown recluse spiders are found primarily in the Midwest. Many cases of bites are reported from Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The edge of its range just reaches the tip of western Virginia, but it occurs rarely in this state. The spider commonly lives in basements and garages of houses and often hides behind boards and boxes. Bites often occur when the spiders hide in towels or old clothes left in those areas.

LIFE CYCLE: Female deposits eggs in off-white silken cases about 1/3 inch in diameter in sheltered, dark areas. Spiderlings emerge in 24-36 days and abandon the egg case. Development is slow, influenced by weather conditions and food availability. They reach maturity in 10 to 12 months and can survive long periods of time without food or water.

TYPE OF DAMAGE: The severity of the bite may vary. The symptoms may vary from no harm at all to a reaction that is very severe. Often there is a systemic reaction within 24-36 hours characterized by restlessness, fever, chills, nausea, weakness, and joint pain. Where the bite occurs there is often tissue death and skin is sloughed off. In some severe cases, a wound may develop that lasts several months.

CONTROL: In all cases, a physician should be notified. If at all possible, kill and take the spider to the physician for positive identification. Individual spiders can be crushed underfoot or sprayed with an aerosol spray. Clean up and remove any potential hiding places.

Important note: Many of the wolf spiders are similar in appearance and have similar markings as the brown recluse. They are large, robust, and hairy and, therefore, can be distinguished from the brown recluse.

INTERESTING FACTS: Spiders are seldom aggressive and bite only when threatened or injured.

Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension

Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet

Entomology

1991 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1000

Brown Recluse Spider

HYG-2061-97

William F. Lyon

The brown recluse spider is not common in Ohio. It is found mainly in the southern and Midwestern states especially Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. To date, infested Ohio counties have had a history where this spider probably hitchhiked (shipped) into the home in furniture, appliances, storage cartons, boxes, old clothes and other household goods. The brown recluse spider is not aggressive. Most bitten people have directly contacted the spider when putting on clothing or shoes not used for long periods of time. They usually occur in houses on the floor or behind furniture (undisturbed areas).

Some have been bitten after sleeping in an unused bed after rolling over onto the spider or others after accidentally touching the spider when cleaning out undisturbed storage areas. Fatalities are rare, but bites are most dangerous to children, elderly and those in poor physical condition.

Identification

Adult brown recluse spiders are soft-bodied, yellowish-tan to dark brown, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and have long, delicate grayish to dark brown legs covered with short, dark hairs. The leg span is about the size of a half dollar. Distinguishing characteristics are the presence of three pairs of eyes arranged in a semicircle on the forepart of the head and a violin-shaped, dark marking immediately behind the semicircle of eyes with the neck of the violin pointing towards the bulbous abdomen.

The eight legs and violin marking appear on the flattened-like cephalothorax (combined area of the head and thorax). Both the male and female brown recluse spiders are similar in appearance and equally toxic. The immature stages closely resemble the adults except for size and a slightly lighter color.

Life Cycle and Habits

These spiders spin small, loose, white to off-white webs with irregular strands. The female lays eggs from May through August in off-white silken cases (sacs) about 1/3-inch in diameter. Sacs containing 40 or more eggs each are found hung in the web, overwinter in sheltered, dark areas and are guarded by the female until her death. Each female may lay as many as 300 eggs during her lifetime. Spiderlings emerge in 24 to 36 days leaving the egg case with slow development (10 to 12 months), and are influenced by weather conditions and food availability. Spiders can survive long periods of time without food or water and may live as long as two years.

This spider is most active at night when it comes out in search of food consisting of cockroaches and other small insects. During the day, time is spent in quiet, undisturbed places such as bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, basements and cellars. The spiders sometimes take shelter under furniture, appliances and carpets, behind baseboards and door facings, or in corners and crevices. Some have been found in stored clothing, old shoes, on the undersides of tables and chairs, and in folded bedding and undisturbed towels stored for long periods of time. Outdoors, the spider may be found in sheltered corners among debris, in wood piles, under loose bark and stones, in old barns, storage sheds and garages. These spiders are very adaptable and may be active in temperatures ranging from 45 to 110 deg F.

Bite Symptoms

The severity of a person's reaction to the bite depends on the amount of venom injected and individual sensitivity to it. Bite effects may be nothing at all, immediate or delayed. Some may not be aware of the bite for 2 to 8 hours, whereas others feel a stinging sensation usually followed by intense pain if there is a severe reaction. A small white blister usually rises at the bite site surrounded by a large congested and swollen area. Within 24 to 36 hours, a systemic reaction may occur with the victim characterized by restlessness, fever, chills, nausea, weakness and joint pain. The affected area enlarges, becomes inflamed and the tissue is hard to the touch. The spider's venom contains an enzyme that destroys cell membranes in the wound area with affected tissue gradually sloughing away, exposing underlying tissues. Within 24 hours, the bite site can erupt into a "volcano lesion" (a hole in the flesh due to damaged, gangrenous tissue).

The open wound may range from the size of an adult's thumbnail to the span of a hand. The sunken, ulcerating sore may heal slowly up to 6 to 8 weeks. Full recovery may take several months and scarring may remain. Plastic surgery and skin grafts are sometimes required.

First Aid

If bitten, remain calm, collect the spider, if possible, for positive identification and get medical attention immediately (contact your physician, hospital and/or Poison Information Center). Apply antiseptic solution to prevent infection and ice packs to relieve local swelling and pain directly to the bite area.

An effective antivenom is not generally available. The physician will usually administer high doses of cortisone-type hormones to combat hemolysis and other systemic complications. A report suggests that treatment with dapsone (a drug used mainly for leprosy) may reduce the degree of tissue damage.

Control Measures

The brown recluse spider is not aggressive and normally bites only when crushed, handled or disturbed. It is aptly named since it is a reclusive creature seeking and preferring seclusion.

Prevention

Shake out clothing and shoes before dressing, and inspect bedding and towels before using. People are most often bitten when putting on clothing that has hung undisturbed or shoes seldom worn, into which a spider has moved. Do not go barefoot or handle firewood without gloves.

Remove trash, old boxes, piles of lumber, old clothing and other unwanted items. Eliminate cluttered areas in basements, closets, attics and other outbuildings.

Dust and vacuum thoroughly and more frequently around windows, corners in rooms, under furniture, in storage areas and normally undisturbed places to eliminate spiders, webs and egg sacs. Use a dust mop, broom and dust pan, if needed.

Install screens on doors and windows to prevent entry. Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders can enter the house. Wash off the outside of the house and roof eves.

Insecticides

Adult spiders spend little time in direct contact with surfaces. Instead, they are found in or on webbing. Thorough applications of fine particles of insecticides such as ULV, aerosols or fogs contact spiders in their webs causing quicker population reduction.

Use space sprays of pyrethrins or resmethrin for useful clean outs, especially attics and crawl spaces.

Thoroughly treat cracks and crevices of decorative molding, window and door trim and undersides of tables, chairs and shelves with residual pesticides. Use Diazinon, or propoxur (Baygon) as a long-lasting residual treatment.

Outdoors, spray around the perimeter of buildings using formulations that will not damage plants. Treat under eaves, patios and decks if the house is of pier and beam construction. Baygon, Diazinon and permethrin are frequently used.

There are many other labeled pesticides for spider control. Some are labeled for homeowner use, while others are labeled only for the licensed, certified, pesticide applicator or pest control operator. Homeowners can use amorphous silica gel (Drione, Tri-Die), some formulations of bendiocarb (Ficam), chlorpyrifos (Dursban), and permethrin (Astro, Dragnet, Flee, Prelude, Torpedo); diazinon, esfenvalerate (Conquer), propoxur (Baygon), pyrethrin (Exciter, Kicker, Microcare, Pyrethrum, Safer, Synerold, Uld, X-Clude) plus resmethrin (Vectrin). In addition, the licensed pesticide applicator can use bendiocarb + pyrethrins (Ficam Plus), clyfluthrin (Optem, Tempo), cypermethrin (Cyper-Active, Cynoff, Demon, Vikor), deltamethrin (Delta Dust, Suspend), lambdacyhalothrin (Commodore), propetamphos (Safrotin) and tralmoethrin (Saga).

Before using any pesticide, always read the label and follow directions and safety precautions.

This publication contains pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registration, some of the recommendations given in this writing may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned. The author, The Ohio State University and Ohio State University Extension assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations.

BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER

by Mike Potter, Urban Entomologist

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

Many different kinds of spiders live around homes and buildings. The vast majority are harmless, and in fact are beneficial, because they prey upon flies, crickets and other insects. One spider in Kentucky USA which is potentially dangerous is the brown recluse. Fortunately, this spider is relatively uncommon, and has markings that the layperson can use to distinguish it from other non-threatening species.

Description and Habits

The brown recluse is about 1/4 to 1/2 inches in body length (most adults are about the size of a United States dime to a US quarter with legs extended). Coloration ranges from tan to dark brown, with the abdomen often darker than the rest of the body. The feature that most distinguishes the brown recluse from many other harmless spiders is a somewhat darker violin-shaped marking on top of the leg-bearing section of the body. The neck of the violin "silhouette" points towards the rear (abdomen) of the spider. Brown recluse spiders also have 3 pairs of eyes (arranged in 3 groups of two) rather than 4 pairs for most other spiders. This diagnostic feature requires use of at least a 10X hand lens.

The brown recluse roams at night seeking its prey. During the day, it hides in dark niches and corners, where it may spin a poorly organized, irregular web. Eggs are deposited in 1/2 inch long off-white silken egg sacs, often appearing flattened beneath and convex above. It is shy and will try to run from a threatening situation but will bite if cornered. People are sometimes bitten while they are asleep because they roll onto a brown recluse spider while it is hunting in the bed. More often the victim is bitten while putting on a shoe or piece of clothing which a spider has selected for its daytime hiding place.

Medical Significance

Spider bites are difficult to diagnose, even by physicians. Anyone bitten by a spider which is believed to be a brown recluse should try to collect the specimen and bring it to a qualified individual for identification. Positive identification by an expert will help the physician decide on the appropriate course of treatment.

Control

Eliminating an infestation of brown recluse spiders involves two basic principles:

• altering the environment in and around a building to make it less attractive to spiders; and

   

• finding and destroying as many spiders as possible.

The following measures can be used to control all spiders, including the brown recluse.

 

1. Routine, thorough house cleaning is the best way to eliminate spiders and discourage their return. A vacuum cleaner or broom effectively removes spiders, webs, and egg sacs.

    

2. Spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed areas such as closets, garages, basements, and attics. Reducing clutter in these areas makes them less attractive to spiders.

    

3. Large numbers of spiders often congregate outdoors around the perimeter of structures. Migration indoors can be reduced by moving firewood, building materials, and debris away from the foundation. Shrubs, vines and tree limbs should be clipped back from the side of the building.

    

4. Install tight-fitting window screens and door sweeps to exclude spiders and other insects. Inspect and clean behind outdoor window shutters.

    

5. Consider installing yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs at outside entrances. These lights are less attractive than mercury vapor, fluorescent, or incandescent bulbs to night-flying insects which, in turn, attract spiders.

    

6. To further reduce spider entry from outdoors, insecticides can be applied as a "barrier treatment" around the base of the foundation. Pay particular attention to door thresholds, garage and crawl space entrances, including foundation vents. Sevin (carbaryl), Ficam (bendiocarb), Dursban (chlorpyrifos), or any of the synthetic pyrethroids are effective, but may need to be reapplied periodically throughout the summer. Wettable powder or microencapsulated, "slow-release" formulations are most effective. Longer-lasting liquid formulations of Dursban can be purchased by homeowners through some lawn and garden shops.

The brown recluse may be found living indoors or outdoors. Thorough inspection of cracks, corners, and other dark, undisturbed areas with a bright flashlight will help determine the location and extent of infestation. Indoors, pay particular attention to basements, attics, crawl spaces, closets, under/behind beds and furniture, inside shoes, boxes of stored items, and between hanging clothing. Brown recluse spiders also may be found living above suspended ceilings, behind baseboards, and inside ductwork or registers.

Another way to detect infestations in these areas is to install glueboards or sticky traps. These devices, designed to capture mice and cockroaches, can be purchased at grocery or farm supply stores. Placed flush along walls and in corners, glueboards and sticky traps are useful monitoring tools and will also capture large numbers of spiders.

Brown recluse spiders also live outdoors in barns, utility sheds, woodpiles, and underneath lumber, rocks, and accumulated debris. To avoid being bitten, wear work gloves when inspecting inside boxes or when moving stored items. Removal of unnecessary clutter is especially helpful in making areas unattractive to these pests.

Indoor infestations of brown recluse spiders also warrant treatment with insecticides. Insecticides should be applied into areas where spiders are living, making an attempt to contact as many spiders and webs as possible with the treatment. Spot treatment with synthetic pyrethroids such as Tempo (cyfluthrin) or Demon (cypermethrin) are especially effective. Most household insecticides with spiders listed on the label (e.g. Raid Max) will also kill spiders provided the spider is treated directly. In inaccessible or cluttered areas such as attics and storage sheds, total-release foggers or aerosols containing resmethrin or synergized pyrethrins will have a better chance of contacting spiders that are hidden.

Severe infestations of brown recluse spiders require specialized skills, persistence and equipment to eradicate. In these situations, it would be prudent to call a professional pest control operator.

CAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.

Of course, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY PESTICIDE!

Patient 1:

Patient 1, a 41-year old caucasian female, awoke to find two inflamed, stinging areas on her left thigh.

The patient demonstrated progressive improvement, and after seven days had only residual erythema at the sites of the bites.

Patient 2:

This patient was a 10-year old boy who felt a stinging sensation on his abdomen while laying on the carpeted floor.  No spider was seen. The emergency room physician insisted he be admitted because of his high white blood cell count and fever, in this case signs of inflamation, not infection.  We usually leave the over-reacting to the parents...  Here, on day three, central necrosis is clearly seen.  It remained this size, and no specific treatment was required.

Discussion

It remains unclear whether or not aggressive treatment is warranted for brown recluse bites. One study (3) showed that ulceration occurs in about 37% of bites - but in that study only 3% required skin grafting - and it has not been conclusively demonstrated that HBO prevents ulceration. Given a cost of about $4,500 for the series of treatments, not counting time lost from work, even if HBO was 100% effective in preventing ulceration, the cost per ulcer prevented would be $13,500. The cost per skin grafting prevented would be about $135,000. Perhaps this modality should be reserved only for those with bites in areas where ulceration could cause serious functional or esthetic defects.

REFERENCES:
(1)Severe intravascular hemolysis associated with brown recluse spider envenomation. A report of two cases and review of the literature. Williams, S.T., et al, Am J Clin Pathol, 104(4):463-7, 1995 October
(2)Hemolytic anemia following a presumptive brown recluse spider bite. Murray, L.M. and Seger, D.L. J. Toxicol Clin Toxicol, 32(4):451-6, 1994
(3)Clinical presentation and outcome of brown recluse spider bite. Wright, S.W.,et al, Ann Emerg Med, 30(1):28-32, 1997 July
(4)Brown recluse spider envenomation: a prospective trial of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Maynor, M.L., et al, Acad Emerg Med, 4 (3):184-92, 1997 March
(5)Therapy of brown spider envenomation: a controlled trial of hyperbarix oxygen, dapsone, and cyproheptadine. Phillips, S., et al, Ann Emerg Med, 25 (3):363-8,1995 March

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Bite of Aggressive House Spider (Compared to Brown Recluse Spider Bite)

Updated April 25, 2008 2:39 AM BOZEMAN -- Again this year, the bite of the aggressive house spider in Montana is being confused with that of the brown recluse spider, according to Montana State University-Bozeman Extension agents asked to identify spiders.

Distinguishing between the two is important for treatment and to prevent future bites.

"Brown recluse spiders are not native to Montana or any state adjacent to Montana, though they could be present in lumber shipped in from milder climates," says Will Lanier, MSU-Bozeman Extension insect diagnostician. "However, the aggressive house spider is native to the area and causes an ulcerating bite similar to the recluse."

The aggressive house spider tends to climb downward. It is usually found on ground or basement levels, often entering through windows. Vacuuming lower levels can eliminate nests, but if this is done the bag should be disposed of so spiders cannot escape. Worn or damaged window and door seals, where spiders can enter, should be repaired. In addition, firewood should be inspected for spiders and egg-sacks before being brought into the home, and wood piles should be kept away from the house. Chemical control of spiders is possible, but both cost and risks of pesticides in the home make chemical control less suitable than other measures.

Though the literature suggests that spider bites are of minimal medical importance, the bite of the aggressive house spider may require prolonged treatment and leave a scar, says Robert Flaherty, a Bozeman physician.

Symptoms:The aggressive house spider's bite initially produces a slight prickling sensation. A small insensitive hard area appears within 30 minutes, surrounded by an expanding reddened area of two to six inches in diameter. Between 15 and 35 hours after the bite, the area blisters. About 24 hours later, the blisters break and the wound oozes. It scabs over, but tissues beneath the scab continue to die. Surgical repair is sometimes needed. The most common symptom in addition to the bite is a migraine headache.

The fully developed lesion can vary from one-half to one-inch or more in diameter and may take several months to heal.

Treatment: Aggressive house spider bites generally require only local wound cleaning, topical antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis. Skin grafting is rarely necessary.

In contrast, treatment of brown recluse bites involves cleaning the wound, applying topical antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis. Topical corticosteroids are not helpful, but systemic corticosteroids and dapsone may be helpful. Skin grafting is sometimes necessary.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is difficult because the spider is rarely seen or recovered. If a spider is not captured in the act or vicinity, all evidence is circumstantial. The resulting effects of the bite should be carefully compared to those associated with systemic arachnidism. If unsure, a doctor should state "possible arthropod envenomation, vector unknown" in the medical record.

Of 60 spiders that can cause medical complications in humans, only two exist in Montana: the aggressive house spider (Tegenaria agrestis) and the black widow spider (Latrodectism), says Lanier.

The aggressive house spider is a common biter. It is easily provoked and will be aggressive when crowded. This may be due to the fact that its web is not sticky, so it must attack the entangled prey or lose it. Drawing of aggressive house spider.

The black widow spider's venom is the more serious. It is a neurotoxin, so it affects muscle coordination and nerve endings. However, the black widow spider is not aggressive. Black widow bites often occur when a spider is trapped in clothing and being crushed.

Help in spider identification and control is available at your local Montana State University Extension office where you also could pick up the free MontGuide 9210 "Spider Identification and Management." There is a charge for handling if the MontGuide is ordered through MSU Extension Publications, 115 Culbertson Hall, Bozeman, Mont. 59717.

Brown Recluse

The Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is generally regarded as one of the more dangerous creatures in North America. Six deaths were attributed to it between 1960 and 1969, two more than the infamous Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans). However, these numbers pale in consideration with the 112 people who lost their lives during the same period of time to bee, wasp, and ant stings. In fact, the Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is positively benign when compared to the deadly automobile. 472,312 people died in the same ten year period due to car accidents (Rayor, 1995). To put it another way, it is more than 78,000 as likely that you will perish in a car wreck as die from the nip of this spider! Yet the Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is almost universally feared, while the automobile is usually admired, or at least appreciated.

What accounts for the low regard in which we hold this invertebrate? It is not a particularly imposing creature. The Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is a small brownish spider, typically measuring approximately two to five centimeters (approximately 4/5" to 2") in length (including the legs). It is typically distinguished by the "violin-shaped marking" on the cephalothorax (Borowitz, 1995). The neck of the "violin" points towards the abdomen of the spider and is easily visible on the spider below: 

This dark shape has given rise to other common names including "fiddle back" and "violin spider". Young spiderlings look like the adults, but tend to be smaller. The female lays her egg sacs between May and August, and the young usually hatch after 24 to 36 days in an egg sac containing forty or so of their brethren. They do not typically reach maturity until ten to twelve months have passed. The adults may live up to 2 years. These nocturnal spiders tend to be most active between the months of April and October. They may be active in temperatures ranging from 45° to 110° F. (Lyon)

This small creature can ranges from Florida to Texas, and north to Iowa and Indiana. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996). In these areas, it is most frequently found residing in wood piles and piles of rocks (Walker and Hogan, 1996). However, it is not an infrequent visitor to houses, where it resides in "closets, attics, and garages" or other dark, seldom-used rooms.(Walker and Hogan, 1996). In addition, they have been known to "hitchhike" to other regions of the country, and may turn up virtually anywhere. (Lyon).

Consequently, virtually anyone is at a slight risk of encountering one these spiders. Though these arachnids tend to be rather timid, they do occasionally bite people. The majority of the bites occur when the victim is putting on an article of clothing or rolls over the Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) while sleeping. (Potter, 1995) The risk of mortality is fairly low, but many victims suffer from a wound that resembles an "ulcer" which forms around the bite.

This "ulcer" is formed because the venom of the Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is cytotoxic. (Rayor, 1995). It kills the cells in the area around the bite. It typically takes 25 days for the ulcer to appear, however. Typically, the victim first notices that the area around the bite itches. After 2 to 8 hours a papule forms around the bite. This papule turns into a vesicle that often "weeps" a yellowish fluid (Clark 1994) . After 25 days or so, the vesicle will usually rupture and form a black crust. When this black crust comes off, there will be an ulcer that frequently exposes the muscle underneath.

This venom is stored in paired gland sacs and ducts beneath the carapace of the cephalothorax. (Botes et al., 1989) and contains an enzyme called sphingomyelinase D. This enzyme reacts with a protein that occurs in our cells called the "amyloid p component". The significance of this component in everyday life is unknown. However, it is known that the that the sphingomyelinase D causes the amyloid p component to produce excessive amounts of platelets and serotonin. Research suggests that the excessive amounts of platelets interfere with the cells normal activities and cause it to die. (Gates and Rees 1990).

In addition, some patients experience more severe reactions to the spider’s bite. Approximately 10% of the patients who report some degree of skin necropsy develop symptoms ranging from fever and chills to extreme nausea. In very extreme cases, the patients life may be threatened. There are a variety of treatments available to such patients, but none are particularly effective. The most common is to treat the patients with antibiotics to reduce the swelling and to clean the wound on a regular basis. Steroids have been used as a form of treatment, but have been found to be useless in healing the bite. Antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the swelling and itching. Surgically removing the affected area has been found to provide no clear benefit to the patient. Electric shock therapy has been suggested as a possible method of treatment, but experimental evidence is lacking. (Walker and Hogan 1995). Recently, however, there have been some breakthroughs. A study of fourteen patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen indicates that it may be an effective form of treatment. In addition, an antivenom has developed at Vanderbilt University. Studies suggest that it may be effective in reducing the size of the "ulcer" formed by the spider’s bite if used before the necropsy begins. Unfortunately, it is not yet widely available. (Walker and Hogan, 1995).

Though you are far more likely to die in a car wreck than by the bite of a Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa), it is still worth being alert to the possibility. If bitten, it is recommended that the victim collect the arachnid for positive identification and get immediate medical attention. Antiseptics should be applied to reduce the risk of infection, and ice packs may be put on the bite to reduce the swelling.(Walker and Hogan 1995). Essentially, it is just necessary to use common sense. If you are bitten by a spider, it is worth checking for a dark "fiddle" mark. If the spider that nipped you lacks this mark (which is very, very likely), than you have nothing to worry about! In fact, you are more likely to die from the bite of a tick (Dermacentor variabilis) than by the bite of this small arachnid. Eight deaths were attributed to it during the same ten year period (Rayor, 1995).

Other Links

//www.uky.edu/Agri...tfacts/struct/ef623.htm
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Brown Recluse Spider HYG-2061-89
//www.njnet.com/~embbs/aem/bite-d.html
Hey! A Brown Recluse Spider Bit Me

Dale Clark's Brown Recluse Saga

 

 

 

References: Borowitz, S. R. [Witz@Virginia.edu]. June 1995. Brown Recluse Spider Bite. [http://galen.med.virginia.edu/~smb4v/cases/newans5.html] Botes, D.P., T. C. K., W.W., and Sarver, E. W. 1989. Comparitive morphology of the poison apparatus of Loxosceles reclusa (Gertsch and Mulaik), Latrodectus mactans (F.), Dugesiella hentzi (Girard) and Lycosa rabida (Walckenaer). Toxicon 27(1): 71. Clark, D. [dale@unislc.slc.unisys.com]. 9 June 1994. Dale Clark’s Brown Recluse Saga. [http://www.cs.indiana.edu/hyplan/truel/spiders/Dale.Clark.html]. Gates, C. A. and R. S. Rees. 1990. Serum amyloid p component: it’s role in platelet activation stimulated by sphingomyelinase d purified from the venom of the brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa). Toxicon, 28(14): 1303-1315. Izenberg, N., J.B., D.D., and S. Arns. [webmaster@KidsHealth.org]. 1 November 1996. Hey! A Brown Recluse Spider Bit Me. [http://kidshealth.org/kid/games/brown_recluse.html]. Lyon, W.F. Brown Recluse Spider HYG-2061-89. Columbus, Ohio [http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/2000/2061.html]. Potter, Mike. 7 July 1995. http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef623.htm. University of Kentucky [http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef623.htm]. Rayor, L. 1995. Venomous Spiders. (unpublished). Rees, R. S, C. G., S. T., R. M. Des Prez, and Lloyed E King, Jr. 1988. Plasma components are required for platelet activation by the toxin of Loxosceles reclusa. Toxicon 26(11): 1035-1046. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 1996. Necrotic Arachnidism - Pacific Northwest, 1988-1996. Morbidity and mortality weekly report. 45(21): 433-436. Walker, J.S. and D. E. Hogan. 6 October 1995. http://www.njnet.com/~embbs/aem/bite-d.html. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma [http://www.njnet.com/~embbs/aem/bite-d.html].

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at cjb24@cornell.edu

 
• Spider Bites / Brown recluse An audio and video clip about the effects a the bite of a brown recluse spider. Carlen Johnston. KidCHECK (USA)
  
• Venomous spiders, Mites and Ticks Latrodectus mactans (Black widow), Loxosceles reclusa (Fiddle-backed), Lycosidae (Wolfspiders), ... With a picture of a bite from Loxosceles (USA)
  
• Necrotic Arachnidism -- Pacific Northwest, 1988-1996 CDC Wonder (USA)
  
• Brown recluse Some information. McCown Pest Control, Texas (USA)
  
• Spiders With general info and Widow spiders, Brown spiders, Tarantulas, Tegenaria agrestis, sac spider, ... Cooperative Extension, Washington State University (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider Bite With a picture and description of the results of the bite. Dermatology at Washington University School of Medicine (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider Texas A&M University (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider Bite With a picture and description of the results of the bite. Children's Medical Center Home Page. Virginia (USA)
  
• Emergency Management of Brown Recluse Spider Bites: A Review Gary W. Tamkin. Global Emergency Medicine Archives (GEMA). University of California San Francisco (USA)
  
• Stinging Or Venomous Insects And Related Pests With a picture of the brown recluse spider. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider The brown recluse spider is not an established species in Florida, but physicians have diagnosed its bites. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida (USA)
  
• Envenomation: Spider Bites Yael D. Myers. Health Philadelphia, The poison control center (USA)
  
• Spiders of Medical Importance UCSD Regional Poison Center Home Page (USA)
  
• Identifying the Brown Recluse Spider Photos and observations. Identification, Natural enemies, Effects of the Brown Recluse bite. Linesden Home Page (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider Health Answers. Orbis Broadcast Group (USA)
  
• Brown recluse spider bite Children's Medical Center. University of Virginia Health Sciences Center (USA)
  
• Medical/veterinary images Pictures of a Brown recluse spider and eye pattern. Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (USA)
  
• Spiders With general biology, info about Black widow, Brown recluse spider, Yellow house spider (Chirocanthium mildei), the aggressive house spider (Tegenaria agrestis) ... . Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (USA)
  
• The Parasitology Images Server With pictures of Latrodectus, Loxosceles, Scorpions, Mites and Ticks. G. Cain. University of Iowa (USA)
  
• Necrotic Arachnidism Reprint from the August 1996 issue [Med Sci Bull. 1996;18(12):4] of Medical Sciences Bulletin. PharmInfoNet (USA)
  
• Spider Bites, Confused The bite of the aggressive house spider in Montana is being confused with that of the brown recluse spider. Department of Entomology, Montana State University - Bozeman (USA)
  
• Loxosceles apachea A picture and some information about Loxosceles apachea. D. Richman (USA)
  
• The savanna violin spider, Loxosceles spiniceps WildNet Africa. (South Africa)
  
• The Brown Recluse Spider Faith M. Oi & Gary R. Mullen. Auburn University (USA)
  
• Spiders With black widow and brown recluse spider. Faith M. Oi, Extension Entomologist, Auburn University (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider bites Wounds (Ulcers) Acu-Heal, Medical Acupuncture Center, Florida (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider Identification, bite symptoms, first aid, ... . Ohio State University (USA)
  
• Brown recluse spider With info and a picture of Loxosceles reclusa. Bull's Pest Control (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider North Carolina State University (USA)
  
• Bites and Stings Black widow, brown recluse and scorpions. Personal Safety. City of Phoenix (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse - The Entire Story In the summer of 1993, Dale Clark experienced a bite from a Brown Recluse spider. Due to his network connection, he kept a constant diary of the condition of the bite in email and newsgroup entries. When it was over, he assembled the entire story and posted it to the newsgroup sci.med on June 28th. Indiana University (USA)
  
• Description of the Brown Recluse Spider Jim Mayer. Indiana University (USA)
  
• History of a spider bite Dale Clarck. Indiana University (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider Western North Carolina Nature Center (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider Mike Potter, Extension Entomologist. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture (USA)
  
• Spider Bites Echinacea use as treatment for bites of brown recluse spiders. Medicinal Herbs Online (USA)
  
• Spider bite caused by a brown recluse spider The Emergency Medicine and Primary Care Home Page (USA)
  
• Spider Envenomations, Brown Recluse Thomas Arnold & Robert Norris. Emergency Medicine. Boston Medical Publishing (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider Virginia Cooperative Extension (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse With pictures and information. Brian S. (USA)
  
• The recluse spiders With information and a very good picture of the brown recluse spider. "The Great Outdoors" (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spiders Georgia Wildlife Federation (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spider HealthAnswers (USA)
  
• Spiders Pest Zero. Schendel (USA)
  
• General Household Pests Brown recluse spider, black widow, brown dog tick. Massey Services (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Spiders A very interesting slide show about Loxosceles species venom physiology and medical management. Hernan F. Gomez. University of Michigan Medical Center (USA)
  
• Picture of the brown recluse spider NetMedicine (USA)
  
• The Brown Recluse Spiders J.B's Home Page, The Exterminator (USA)
  
• Treatment of spider bites (Latrodectus and Loxosceles) and scorpion stings Carlsen Ranch Home Page (USA)
  
• Venemous spider bites West Vancouver woman Anna Marie D'Angelo, News Reporter, North Shore News (USA)
  
• Loxosceles reclusa University of Michigan (USA)
  
• Agony's Kiss The number of reported spider bites in the United States has increased markedly in recent years. Many of these bites are attributed to brown recluse spiders. This trend suggests two possible explanations: Either the brown recluse spider's range is increasing dramatically, or the bites are being misdiagnosed. The latter is the more likely scenario. Mark Lacey (USA)
  
• Brown Recluse Chris's Home Page, Cornell University (USA)
  
• Venomous Creatures: Arthropods Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (Black Widow, Brown Spiders, Scorpions, Tarantulas) (USA)
  
• The recluse spiders With a very good picture. Darwin K. Vest (USA)
  
• CASE STUDY: Contemporary Approaches to Treating Brown Recluse Bites With pictures of the wound. Travel Health Information Service (USA)
  
• Therapy of Brown Spider envenomation A controlled trial of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Dapsone, and Cyproheptadine. Philips S., Kohn M., Baker D. et al. Ann. Emerg. Med. With a picture of the spider. (USA)
  
• The Brown Recluse Spiders Loxosceles Spp. Unison Services, Pest Eliminators (USA)
  
• Get this bug off of me! Daddy-long-legs, ticks, scorpions, black widow, brown recluse spider. Stephanie Bailey. University of Kentucky Entomology Department (USA)
  
• Arthropods of the El Paso Region Brown Recluse spider. EPBIONET (USA)
  
• The Brown Recluse Spider With information and pictures of the spider and the wounds. Edward A. Tomchin (USA)
  
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:Myth or Modern Medicine? Physical Therapy. The Wound Care Institute, Inc. (USA)

http://www.ufsia.ac.be/Arachnology/Pages/Reclusa.html

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