So You Might Have a Brown Recluse Huh?

Contrary to very common belief, the Brown recluse spider is not indigenous to Michigan. Yes I know.  You or someone you know was bit by one once. Trust me, everybody knows someone who was bit by this spider. Yet, not one of them have caught the spider (dead or alive) to have it identified.

If you find a Brown recluse, there are some rules you really should follow.
1) Catch it. Preferably alive, but having a dead specimen is still much better than no specimen. If it is alive, make sure you note that on a label on the container so nobody opens it not expecting a Brown recluse to run out. If it is dead, place it in a small container of alcohol to preserve it.
2) Take some pictures of it.  The clearer the pics the better. Show the top of the spider and the front of it. Try hard to get the eyes in a picture.
3) Email me or a real entomologist first and attach the pictures of the spider to the email. IF they think it really might be one, they will tell you, and then you can get the information where to send it for proper identification.
4) Be completely honest in answering any questions they may have for you. After all, it is important to learn whether the spider was brought in somehow or not.

Every expert will tell you the Brown recluse is not in Michigan other than a very rare rogue spider that was brought here inside boxes or packages or something. If you believe they really are here, the only way you can prove it is by getting them identified.

NOTE*
Please, if you wish to debate whether the recluse is in Michigan or not, don't do it on comments at the end of this page. Do it where others will take part a little more. Like go to the comments after this post... The Myth of the Brown Recluse and the Black Widow Spiders  ... and read the argument here.