Are you a student at Stonybrook? I was a long time ago, lived in Kelly 5 (Hamilton College).
Mark
Brown Recluse The brown recluse is aptly found in barns, sheds, garages, or even homes that are dry, littered, undisturbed and contain a supply of insects to serve as food. Favorite hiding places seem to be in the arms or legs of garments left hanging undisturbed for some time. People are sometimes bitten while sleeping in beds that have been unoccupied for a long period.
The mature brown recluse spider has a body about 3/8 inch long and 3/16 inch wide. The leg span is about the size of a half dollar. The overall color is light tan to deep reddish brown. The distinguishing mark is a darker contrasting brown fiddle-shaped area on the front half of the back. This marking is why the brown recluse is often referred to as the fiddle-back spider.
The bite of this venomous spider can cause serious effects. It is especially dangerous to children, to the elderly and those in poor physical condition. Contrary to some reports, fatalities from the bites of the brown recluse are very rare. Reaction to the bite varies considerably and depends upon the amount of venom injected and individual sensitivity to it.
Extreme pain may follow almost immediately after the bite, or the bite may not be noticed for an hour or more. The visible sign of recluse poisoning is a small white blister at the site of the bite. The affected area enlarges, becomes inflamed and the tissue is hard to the touch. Eventually the affected tissue is killed and peels away, leaving a sunken, ulcerating sore up to the size of a silver dollar.
The healing process is slow, requiring 6-8 weeks; in fact, skin grafts may be needed for complete recovery from the ulcerated sore.
It is extremely important, therefore, to get medical attention as soon as possible. Although no specific antidote is available, prompt medical treatment can prevent severe reactions and lesson the long-range effects.