Spotting a spider in your home can be unsettling, especially when you’re not sure what kind it is. Two spiders that are commonly mistaken are the wolf spider and the brown recluse. While they may be similar in size and color, they are very different in appearance, behavior, and risk to humans. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Appearance

Wolf Spider: Wolf spiders are generally larger and hairier than most house spiders, with a robust, stocky build. They can range from gray to dark brown and often have distinctive dark stripes or markings on their back.

Brown Recluse: Brown recluses are slender and have a smoother, almost hairless body. Their most recognizable feature is a violin-shaped marking on their back, just behind the head.

Behavior

Wolf Spider: These spiders are active hunters, meaning they don’t spin webs to catch prey. You might see them scurrying across floors or along walls, especially at night. They are fast movers and not afraid to venture into the open.

Brown Recluse: True to their name, brown recluses are shy and secretive. They prefer dark, undisturbed places like closets, attics, basements, and behind furniture. They spin irregular, messy webs, but typically use them for shelter rather than hunting.

Hazards

Wolf Spider: While they may look intimidating, a wolf spider’s bite is not dangerous to humans.

Brown Recluse: The brown recluse is one of the few spiders in North America with medically significant venom. Bites can lead to skin irritation, blistering, or tissue damage. If you suspect a brown recluse has bitten you, it is best to promptly seek medical attention.

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