Desert Recluse Spider
Loxosceles deserta
Identification
- in Utah, only found in Washington County
- 1/4 - 1/2 inch long
- tan to dark brown with darker fiddle-shaped marking on top
- six eyes arranged in three groups of two
Nesting Habits
- spin irregularly-shaped webs in undisturbed areas
- found outdoors in native vegetation, pack rat dens, etc.
- seldom found indoors
Diet
- feed on small live insects and occasionally large dead ones
Significance
- bites can result in a necrotic ulcer that can take several weeks to heal
- these spiders are rarely encountered indoors
IPM Recommendations
- Call a physician or go to an emergency room immediately after being bitten or when symptoms develop. Bring the spider if possible for identification
- Reduce other insects that serve as food.
- Prune vegetation around buildingsĀ to limit habitat.