Brown Recluse spider

[Booldawg]

I've read up a bit on habitat and what parts of the USA they can be found. How common are they in the US? Do you often see them,or are they fairly rare. how much of a problem is there with people being bitten by them?

[lankeela]

Saw a programme about these once - they bite you and you die. End of story.

[Clanad]

The true Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa ) is generally limited in habitat in the U.S. It lives in the south central Midwest from Nebraska to Ohio and south through Texas to Georgia, according to one site. They are not found in the inter-mountain or west coast States, nor the northeastern corridor. One problem with the species though, is when they are found there is always an abundance of them.
I would probably disagree though, with Lankeela's statement. Few bites from the spider results in death. As with any other encounter with toxins, each individual has their own sensitivity. Most bites produce only a red welt but some can, indeed, produce death. Usually the most severely affected are the very young (due to their body mass) and older adults who may already be experiencing weakened immune systems. One clinical physician who specializes in treating the bites believes nearly 60% of bites attributed to the Brwon Recluse are actually the results of other spider or insect bites. There are nearly a dozen varieties of related and look-alike spiders, hence the confusion...

[lankeela]

So maybe the ones that do die are those who have been bitten by the genuine Brown Recluse!