Violin Spider

Along with scorpions, mites and ticks, spiders belong to the Arachina class of terrestrial Arthropods. Most spider species are venomous as it helps them in hunting down their prey. Since spiders are tiny creatures, their venom is not very potent and often causes no harm even after they bite humans. But there are certain species of spiders which are dangerous or can cause harm by their venom which they transfer through spider bites. Black widow spiders and brown violin spiders are the most commonly found species of dangerous spiders in the United States. Also known as brown recluse spiders, they thrive in warmer climates and are also found in human residences.

Brown Recluse Facts

• The violin spider is more commonly known as the brown recluse spider and is a member of the sicariide family of insects.
• They grow to about 6 to 19 millimeters in length , though some of them can grow even bigger.
• These spiders are either gray, reddish brown or dark yellow in color and have a violin shaped figure on the dorsal side of its cephalothorax.
• Unlike most other spider species, they have 3 pairs of eyes and not 4. This is a very important distinguishing characteristic.
• The mating season is between February to September when females lay their eggs in sacs. A single egg sac can produce up to 40 small spiders.
• Violin spiders are found in the Southern mid-west region of United States till the Gulf of Mexico.
• They build an irregular web from silk threads, and leave the web at night for hunting.
• They often bite a person in his sleep as its fangs are not big, the bite marks appear close together.

A Violin Spider's Habitat

They build their irregular shaped web in closets, beds, cellar, garages, shed, woodpiles and prefer places which are dry and largely untroubled. While staying in human residences, they prefer spinning their web on cardboard, as it is similar to tree barks. However, these spiders can be found in shoes, seldom used bed sheets, in plies of clothes, behind picture hangings or even inside dressers. Female species mostly near their webs, but the male ones go to hunt at night. Whenever the isolated spider habitats are intervened by humans, they may feel threatened and hence could attack.

Bite Symptoms

Along with black widow spiders, violin spiders are the only other dangerous spider species found in United States of America. These spiders love warmer climates and can easily be found in homes at such places. Usually passive, they can bite when they feel trapped or are held against the skin. The venom generally causes local tissue damage. Some of the common bite symptoms include:

• Redness of the skin along with pain and a burning or itching sensation around the area of bite
• There may be a purplish area formed around the bite along with a red and white colored ring
• Rash
• Fever
• A blister or ulcer which turns black after sometime
• Vomiting or nausea
• Body aches and headache

Bite Treatment

Whenever any of the above violin spider bite symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult a doctor right away. The doctor will determine the exact treatment and recovery procedure, which may include:

• The area around the bite should be thoroughly washed with soap and cater
• Applying an ice pack can be helpful in reducing pain and swelling for a while
• Applying an antibiotic lotion or cream is a good way to protect the areas around the spider bite from getting an infection
• Another method to prevent swelling on arms and legs is by keeping them elevated.
• The spider bite treatment depends on the severity of the bites. Though medications are mostly sufficient, the patient may need hospitalization for a few days, if the bite is extremely severe.
• Earlier the treatment, the better as it avoids chances of any further complications

Even though there are numerous rumors doing rounds, there are no violin spiders in California. Some of the spiders may resemble the dreaded brown recluse, but they are a different species all together.