Question

Which of the following statements regarding the brown recluse spider is NOT true?

1) It is venomous and its bite can cause necrotic skin lesions.
2) It is found primarily in the southern and central United States.
3) It is a large spider with a leg span of up to 3 inches.
4) It is known for its violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax.

Answer 1

The false statement about the brown recluse spider is that it is large with a leg span of up to 3 inches; they are usually much smaller.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement regarding the brown recluse spider that is NOT true is: 3) It is a large spider with a leg span of up to 3 inches. The brown recluse is actually quite small, with a body typically less than an inch long and a leg span that reaches about the size of a quarter. The other statements are correct: 1) The brown recluse is venomous, and its bite can cause necrotic skin lesions due to a mixture of enzymes such as collagenase, protease, and phospholipase in its venom. 2) This spider is primarily found in the southern and central United States. 4) It is distinguished by its violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax.