Poisonous Brown Recluse vs Wolf Spider & how to tell the difference

The Poisonous Brown Recluse vs the Wolf Spider – One is common in the Panhandle of Florida (Wolf Spider, bigger and scarier) and one is only found on rare occasions (Brown Recluse, very Poisonous).  How can you tell them easily apart without getting bitten first?

Wolf Spider vs Brown Recluse

1. Wolf Spiders are multi-colored while a Brown Recluse has a uniform color and a lightly noticeable reverse violin shaped pattern on it’s back.
2. The Brown Recluse doesn’t have noticeable hair/fur. The Wolf spider has easily identifiable hair/fur on it.
3. SIZE – The Wolf Spider is substantially larger than the Brown Recluse by about 3x. Ironically it makes this spider seem scarier even when it isn’t poisonous.

We would guess that 99% of the time people mistake a Wolf spider for a Brown Recluse. Currently these Brown Recluses are not native to this area, however, they have been introduced (from transport) to our area with constant travel from the outside area.

We have also included a link to show the progression of the spider bite from a brown recluse to the boy, Branson Carlisle, that tragically died over the Thanksgiving Holidays recently up in Albertville, AL here. This is the first death from this type of spider in the United States in the last 10 years.  You can read more here about the common spiders in the Crestview and surrounding areas.

If you are unsure if you a have a spider that is poisonous or not call us at 850-682-5354 or fill out our easy 30 second form online to provide you with a free estimate.