Spiders are common in many homes and yards. While the majority of spiders are harmless, there are a few species that can be dangerous. Two spiders often confused are the brown recluse and wolf spider. While they appear similar, there are distinct differences between them.
In this article we will compare the brown recluse and wolf spider to help you easily identify them. We will look at size appearance, eyes, danger levels, behavior, habitat, and more. Understanding the variations will ensure you take the right action if you come across one.
Appearance: Key Differences
The brown recluse and wolf spider can both be varying shades of brown, which leads many people to mix up the two. However, if you look closely, you will notice some clear physical differences.
Size
The brown recluse is a small spider, ranging from 0.24 to 0.79 inches (6 to 20 mm) in body length. In contrast, the wolf spider is larger, between 0.4 to 1.38 inches (10 to 35 mm). Generally, if the body is bigger than a penny, it is likely a wolf spider.
Hair
Wolf spiders are covered in hair, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The brown recluse has little hair and appears almost bald.
Violin Shape
The most identifiable marking of a brown recluse is the dark violin shape on the top of its body The violin can vary based on age but points toward the rear, No other common spider has this distinct characteristic,
Eyes
The brown recluse has just 6 small eyes while the wolf spider has 8 larger eyes, including 2 large central eyes. The extra eyes give the wolf spider excellent eyesight for hunting.
Danger Levels: Bites And Venom
One of the biggest concerns with spiders is the potential danger from bites and venom. There is a difference in the level of risk posed by the brown recluse and wolf spider.
Brown Recluse Bite
The brown recluse has a necrotic venom that can require medical treatment in some cases. That said bites are uncommon and most encounters do not result in a bite. Their fangs are small and can’t penetrate through fabrics.
If bitten, you may see a red, irritated area at first. Over hours, this can turn into a blister or sore with surrounding redness. Seek medical help if you suspect a brown recluse bite.
Wolf Spider Bite
The bite of a wolf spider is generally not dangerous but can be painful. It may cause mild swelling, irritation, pain, and itching around the bite. An allergic reaction is possible in some cases, which requires medical attention.
Behavior: Lifestyle And Habits
These two spider species behave quite differently in terms of their lifestyles and habits.
Brown Recluse
As the name suggests, the brown recluse is a very reclusive spider. It is nocturnal, preferring to stay hidden during daylight hours in places like closets, woodpiles, and cardboard boxes. They build irregular webs to catch prey at night.
Wolf Spider
In contrast, the wolf spider is an active hunter during both day and night. It does not spin webs but rather chases down prey. Wolf spiders get their name from their aggressive hunting style. They live in grassy locations and perimeter areas of homes and yards.
The wolf spider also exhibits maternal behaviors. Females carry egg sacs and then spiderlings on their abdomen for protection.
Habitat And Location
The regions and specific habitats favored by these species also differ. This information can help clue you into the type of spider you are dealing with.
Where Brown Recluses Live
Brown recluse spiders are only found in the Midwest and Southern United States from Texas to Ohio. They need warm environments and are not found elsewhere in the US. They build retreats in dry, secluded spaces both indoors and outdoors.
Where Wolf Spiders Live
Wolf spiders are adaptable and inhabit many areas globally from forests to meadows to suburban yards and gardens. There are many wolf spider species located throughout the United States. Their camouflage coloring allows them to blend into varied surroundings.
Prevention And Control
If you want to deter brown recluses and wolf spiders from your home, there are some effective prevention and control steps to take:
- Seal cracks, gaps, and crevices around the exterior of your home so spiders can’t enter
- Remove debris piles, wood piles, and dense vegetation near your home’s perimeter
- Vacuum and clean regularly, especially in undisturbed areas like attics and basements
- Shake out items stored in boxes, closets, or the garage before bringing indoors
- Install weatherstripping around doors and repair damaged screens
- Apply pesticide sprays or diatomaceous earth in doorways, windowsills, and potential entry points
- Contact a pest control professional for severe infestations or venomous spiders
Proper identification is the first key to addressing spiders. If you can distinguish a brown recluse from a wolf spider, you can take appropriate action to handle the situation. Refer to this guide when trying to decipher what type of spider you are dealing with. Understanding the differences in appearance, behavior, habitat, danger levels, and prevention tactics will help protect your home.
Further Ways to Tell the Difference between Brown Recluse and Wolf Spiders
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Physical Characteristics
- Size and Shape: The brown recluse is generally smaller, with a body size of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Wolf spiders are larger, with bodies reaching up to an inch.
- Comparison of Body Size and Leg Span: Brown recluses have a smaller body and leg span, whereas wolf spiders feature a robust body and longer legs that enable fast movement.
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Coloration and Markings
- Brown recluses are uniformly colored from light tan to dark brown. Wolf spiders vary more in color, usually brown or gray with contrasting patterns.
- The most distinct characteristic of a brown recluse is the dark violin-shaped mark on its back. Wolf spiders lack this but may have stripes or other markings.
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Eye Arrangement
- Diagram and Description: Brown recluses have six eyes arranged in pairs, with one pair in front and a pair on either side. Wolf spiders have eight eyes, with four small eyes in a row at the bottom and four larger ones on top in a square arrangement.
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Behavioral Differences
- Movement and Hunting Techniques: The brown recluse is typically passive, preferring to hide rather than confront, while the wolf spider is an active hunter, chasing down its prey.
- Webs and Habitat Preferences: Brown recluses build irregular webbed structures that they use as retreats, commonly found in dark, secluded areas. Wolf spiders do not build webs but roam at night to hunt, often seen on the ground.
Brown Recluse vs Wolf Spider: A Scary Difference
Arachnids have long been a source of fear for people. This fact is especially true when you spot any type of spider within the home: a place that should be of safety and comfort! And some spiders may look scary, they pose no threat to humans–just like the wolf spider. However, there are those that are often confused with others that are extremely deadly to humans like the brown recluse spider. Specifically, understanding the differences in appearance and behavior when comparing the brown recluse vs. wolf spider is crucial to avoid unnecessary panic.
It’s important to be able to distinguish between harmful and peaceful arachnids. This brings us to today’s post. Wolf spiders are mostly harmless to humans however, they look very similar to their deadly relatives: the brown recluse. Being able to tell the difference between brown spiders like this not only makes a difference in the treatment used to get rid of spiders but also in the safety of your home.
In this article, we will guide you through the key differences between the brown recluse vs. wolf spider, helping you identify them correctly and take appropriate action.
Wolf Spider VS Brown Recluse – How to Spot the Difference!
FAQ
How do I know if it’s a brown recluse or a wolf spider?
Key Takeaways. Wolf spiders are larger, hairy, and active hunters, while brown recluses are smaller with violin-shaped marks.Feb 14, 2025
Why not squish wolf spider?
Infection: Crushing a spider may cause skin breaks or abrasions, which can lead to infections if not properly cleaned and treated afterward. Mess and Residue: Squishing a spider can create a mess, potentially leading to further issues, such as attracting other pests or creating a slippery surface.
Should I go to the ER for a brown recluse bite?
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Serious Potential:Brown recluse spider bites can be serious and require prompt medical attention.
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When to go to the ER:
- Suspect a brown recluse bite: If you suspect a brown recluse bite, go to the ER or call your doctor immediately.
- Severe Symptoms: Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Trouble breathing
- Signs of infection (oozing cloudy fluid, redness, swelling, warmth)
- Fever, dizziness, chills, or nausea
- Open sore or black skin at the bite area
- New symptoms like fever, vomiting, or headache
- Severe pain
- Suspect a brown recluse bite: If you suspect a brown recluse bite, go to the ER or call your doctor immediately.
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First Aid:While waiting for medical care:
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress.
- Elevate the affected area.
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
- Clean the area with soap and water.
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Identification:If possible, try to capture the spider (in a jar) to help medical professionals identify it.
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Follow-up:Even if initial symptoms seem mild, it’s important to follow up with a doctor to rule out any complications.
Do wolf spiders keep brown recluse away?
Given their different hunting methods and preferences, it’s unlikely that wolf spiders specifically target brown recluse spiders as a food source. However, in a predatory environment where both species coexist, it’s possible for wolf spiders to prey on brown recluse spiders if the opportunity arises.