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Spider bites are generally innocuous but certain species, notably the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider, can inflict significant harm.  This review focuses on these two spiders and their associated envenomations.

Entomology

Brown recluse

The brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is a small, nondescript brown spider identifiable by the violin-shaped marking on its back.  It is found primarily in the central and southern United States, particularly in areas like Missouri, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.  It can also be found in South America; bites from South American Loxosceles species (eg, L gaucho) are associated with more dermal necrosis and systemic symptoms.  The brown recluse prefers dark, secluded spaces such as attics, basements, closets, and woodpiles.

Black widow

The black widow (Latrodectus mactans) is a shiny black spider known for the

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