Loxosceles reclusa

Loxosceles reclusa Violin or Fiddleback Spider (loxoscelism is a systemic syndrome due to the bite of a female brown recluse spider). This is a small reddish brown spider with a violin-shaped mark on the dorsum surface of the cephalothorax. It is generally found in the southern United States. Exposure is through a bite, which may go unnoticed. Spiders may be found in woodpiles and basements. 

Synonyms Loxosceles reclusa Fiddle-back spider Violin spider... 

Envenomation occurs subcutaneously due to the small biting apparatus of the spider. The Brown Recluse Loxosceles reclusa) spider, as its name implies, is found in secluded areas. Bites occur most frequently to the hands and arms while reaching into woodpiles or other well-protected areas. 

Gendron BP (1990) Loxosceles reclusa envenomation. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine 8 51-54. 

Sams HH, Hearth SB, Long LL, et al. (2001) Nineteen documented cases of Loxosceles reclusa envenomation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 44(4) 603-608. 

High amounts of hyaluronidase are present in scorpion venom [17]. The enzyme is also present in the venom of tarantula (Eurypelma califomicum) [24] and in the venom of the poisonous brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) [25],... 

Prognosis for recovery Is reasonably good in dogs, but may be guarded in cats. Loxosceles reclusa (brown recluse spider)... 

There are five representative species of the widow spider in the United States. The species are the Black Widow (L. mactans, L. hesperus, L. variolus). Red Widow (L. bishopi), and the Brown Widow (L. geometricus). The five species of Loxosceles documented to produce necrotic bites are L. arizonica, L. deserta, L. laeta, L. reclusa, and L. rufescens. The L. reclusa is responsible for most cases of clinical significance of necrotic arachnidism. 

Geographic range and habitat. At least twelve species of Loxosceles are found throughout the United States however, most attention has been given to L. reclusa. 

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