Mediterranean recluse spider
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| Loxosceles rufescens Dufour, 1820 |
The Mediterranean recluse spider originated in the Mediterranean region as its name implies, but has been introduced to Arkansas and the gulf states of the United States. The Mediterranean recluse is venomous, but probably less-so than its close relative the Brown recluse spider.
It is distinguished from the brown recluse by its distinctive genitalia, and also by the arrangement of the eyes, with the anterior eyes separated from the laterals by 1 1/2 to 2 diameters rather than the 1 diameter or less separation found in the spiders of the reclusa group. Although it has not been studied as thoroughly as the brown recluse, it should be regarded as venomous and dangerous.
