How big are brown recluse spiders?

Question

I keep finding these little brown spiders in my tub and in my half bathroom. They are quite small.. like smaller than a pencil eraser. I am hoping they're not brown recluses. How big are brown recluses?

Are they common in central Illinois?

Answer 1

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.

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.

They are 1/4 to 3/4 in length. Many times people take small wolf spiders as Brown recluse. You should be o.k.

Answer 2

Brown Recluse Size

Answer 3

Brown Recluse Spider
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2061.html

"Adult brown recluse spiders have a leg span about the size of a quarter. Their body is about 3/8 inches long and about 3/16 inches wide. Males are slightly smaller in body length than females, but males have proportionally longer legs."

Answer 4

RE:
How big are brown recluse spiders?
I keep finding these little brown spiders in my tub and in my half bathroom. They are quite small.. like smaller than a pencil eraser. I am hoping they're not brown recluses. How big are brown recluses?

Answer 5

A Brown recluse, including the legs is about the size of a quarter.

Answer 6

Brown recluses are about the size of a quarter when fully grown

Answer 7

adult brown recluse spiders with legs extended are about the size of a U.S. quarter

try going to the link that i i posted in "source". there is a whole page of writing with pictures for you.

Answer 8

I think they vary a bit from nickle to quartesize in circumference (counting legs).

The tell-tale sign of the recluse is the "violin" on it's head. Google some images to get an idea.

They could be youngin's as well though, so size is irrelevant. Go for markings.

Becareful of hobo spiders as well. These funnel webs have similar necrotic poison that rots your tissue in the same way.

Answer 9

Well, even if they are "baby spiders"and they bit you ...your body would be toasted by now. AAAAAARGHHHHH ..AAAARGGHHH..brown recluse have no friends..kill them...please.

Answer 10

Brow recluse spiders are much bigger than a pencil eraser.