Julia Altshuler wrote:
> Since this is almost certain to come up in this thread eventually, I'll
> beat you to the punch with this:
>
>
> http://www.snopes.com/photos/bugs/brownrecluse.asp
>
>
> Spider bites can hurt, but they're generally not too serious.
>
>
> --Lia

That is more likely the bite of a venomous snake - one with hemolytic
venom. The area affected is far too large for spider venom.

-L.