6-Hobo Spiders vs. Brown Recluse Spiders:
Hobo spiders and brown recluse spiders are often confused due to their similar size and appearance, but they have distinct differences in behavior, habitat, and venom effects.
Hobo spiders are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest and prefer living in dark, moist areas like basements and crawl spaces. They build funnel-shaped webs and are not aggressive unless provoked. Their bite is often harmless to humans, with mild symptoms such as redness and irritation.
Brown recluse spiders, on the other hand, are primarily found in the central and southern United States. They are known for their violin-shaped marking on their back and prefer dry, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and woodpiles. Their venom is more potent than that of hobo spiders and can cause necrotic skin lesions in severe cases, though most bites heal without complications.