Characteristic Brown Recluse Other Type of Spider Body Color * Dark/sandy brown; sometimes slightly yellow * Center of body is slightly darker * Color other than brown * Uniform body color Leg Color * Lighter than body * No distinguishing markings * Darker than the body * Distinguishing markings (stripes, spots, etc.) Markings * Violin-shaped marking on back * Darker brown color * No body markings * Markings are lighter than body * Marking is not violin-shaped Eyes * 6 eyes * One pair in the center, one pair on each side * 8 eyes Hair * Fine, short hair * Longer hair * Spines Size * Up to ½ inch (1.3 cm) * Larger than ½ inch (1.3 cm) Habitat * Southeastern United States * West of Texas * North of Ohio * Outside the United States Web * Loose and sticky * Off-white or grayish * Found in dry, out-of-the-way areas * Sturdy * Strung between two walls or trees