Arizona Brown Spiders

Arizona brown spider bites: what to know 

The Arizona brown spider is a small, brown-colored spider found in Arizona and nearby states. Although its bite is uncommon, it may cause serious reaction in rare cases. This guide helps you identify the spider, recognize symptoms, get treatment and prevent bites. 

What the Arizona brown spider looks like 

The Arizona brown spider typically has: 

• A light-to-medium brown body 
• Darker markings on the head region, sometimes resembling a faint violin shape 
• A body size similar to a penny (excluding its legs) 
• The spider is sometimes called the “violin spider” or “fiddle spider” because of the darker head-marking.   

Symptoms of a bite 

If you are bitten, you may notice: 

• Redness, swelling or a small sore at the bite site 
• Soreness or pain that worsens over time 
• In more severe cases: skin tissue damage or necrosis (dead tissue)   

It is important to monitor any bite that spreads, becomes more painful or shows signs of infection. 

What to do if you’re bitten 

Take these steps right away: 

1. Wash the area with soap and water. 
2. Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling and ease pain. 
3. Call a poison control center at 800-222-1222 or Banner Poison & Drug Information Center at 602-253-3334 for guidance.   
4. Seek medical care if redness spreads, pain increases, or if you have symptoms like fever or wound changes. 

Preventing bites at home and outdoors 

To reduce your risk of encountering this spider: 

• Keep woodpiles, old tires and stacked boxes away from your home or garage. 
• Seal cracks or openings around doors, windows, and walls. 
• Shake out shoes, clothes and towels that have been stored in dark spots before use. 
• Use sticky traps or consult a licensed pest-control professional for serious infestations.   

When to call for emergency help

Call immediately or go to the emergency department if you experience:

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
• Signs of tissue damage or necrosis
• Fever, intense pain, difficulty breathing or serious illness after a suspected bite

Related resources

• Call the 24/7 poison-control number at 800-222-1222 for immediate advice.   
• Helpful article: Spider-Proof Your Home: Simple Tips For a Creepy-Crawly-Free Space.
• Other critters: Bark scorpions, black widows, rattlesnakes.