The Brown recluse is not native to California (which i believe is where Shannon is) so unless it's an import, rules the Brown recluse.



Also, its kind of hard to see the back from the angle but it does not appear to have the distinctive "fiddle-back" design which would identify it as a brown recluse. Also the abdomen on this spider appears very rounded. while the recluses I've seen all have sort of oval abdomens.



Spiders generally have 8 eyes but the Brown recluse only has six. Not sure if 6 eyes conclusively means brown recluse or just recluse family, but gets you closer. You would probably need a dissecting scope or atleast a good magnifying glass to see that.



I agree that it could be a Latrodectus Geometricus (brown widow), they have been introduced in alot of areas by ship. maybe not as dangerous as the black widow?? but I wouldn't let it bite you just the same. Does it have the hourglass on the underside of the abdomen? Neat spider.

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