Virtual Creature Festival: Brown Recluse

During the month of October, we will explore the world of NJ’s creepy-crawly fauna and flora and things that go bump, squawk, grunt, (or even stay silent) in the night and day! Also, remember to check out Duke Farms Eventbrite for a wide array of virtual programs to learn more about NJ’s best bears, bats, bobcats, beautiful amphibians, reptiles, as well as other important oozy critters and the concern about climate change’s already negative impact on their future.

As we open the door to October…

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many and quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more.”

Remember this poem? Maybe this is who is knocking at your door to welcome you to the Duke Farms Virtual Creature Fest!

Brown recluses are nocturnal hunters, surprise attacking insects like cockroaches and crickets, and even other spiders. Contrary to tales of terror, these critters don't crawl into your bed and lurk under your covers, deliberately waiting to attack you. Their fangs are too short and flimsy to pass through most fabrics, and a majority of bites through human skin occur completely by accident. Biting is a last-ditch response to avoid being smushed when people roll over them - if possible, brown recluses will just run away. Learn more about these misunderstood creatures in this resource.

Download the full PDF here.

Cover image credits: "George the Brown Recluse" by Lisa Brown CC BY NC 2.0

This resource was created by Joanne Vogel and Kate Reilly.