Summary
Chilean recluses are larger (body 8–12 mm vs. 6–12 mm), darker, and carry venom with substantially higher loxoscelism risk including systemic effects. Both have six eyes and a violin.
Diagnostic traits
| Trait | Brown Recluse | Chilean Recluse |
|---|---|---|
| Body size ♀ | 6–12 mm | 8–12 mm (often at upper end) |
| Color | Tan | Darker brown |
| Venom severity | Loxoscelism, rare systemic | Loxoscelism + frequent viscerocutaneous syndrome |
| U.S. range | South-central U.S. | Localized LA-area introductions |
The bottom line
At-a-glance comparison
| Brown Recluse | Chilean Recluse | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific | Loxosceles reclusa | Loxosceles laeta |
| Family | Sicariidae | Sicariidae |
| ♀ body | 7–12 mm | 8–15 mm |
| Leg span | 20–30 mm | 25–45 mm |
| Range | 16 U.S. states | 1 U.S. states |
| Medical | Medically significant | Medically significant |