Spiders are considered beneficial arthropods because they often prey on insects that we consider nuisances. Homeowners should be encouraged to leave spiders alone if the spiders are in their natural habitat such as the yard or garden. However, the brown recluse, Loxosceles reclusa, is an exception. The shape and intensity of the fiddle design may vary. A more constant characteristic for identification is the number and pattern of the eyes.
Most spiders have four pairs of eyes.
Brown recluse spider with violin shape on cephalothorax and arrangement of six eyes. These spiders are pale tan to brown in color. Males are generally half the size of females. Distribution, Habitat, And Habits The brown recluse spider has been collected throughout Alabama but is more commonly found in the northern half of the state. It is commonly found indoors in storage areas such as closets, basements, and cellars.