This species was recorded in caves in Iran in 2013. During a routine building pest check in 2021, spiders of this species were found in the basement of the University of Michigan's Shapiro Undergraduate Library, which led to its closure for two days. Ecology L. rufescens differ from many other spider species in their predatory behavior. L. rufescens is an active hunter and will set out at night to capture and kill a variety of arthropods that are susceptible to their venom rather than catching them in a web. They are most active at night and typically target smaller insects because of their vulnerable soft exoskeleton. Males are more prolific hunters than female individuals partly due to their simultaneous search for a potential mate. Threat to humans Spiders in the Loxosceles genus are well known for their bite, causing skin necrosis and for some people, causing great damage and widespread, systemic effects. This is referred to as "loxoscelism". The necrosis is due to the unique enzyme, sphingomyelinase D (SMase D). This enzyme from the Loxesceles venom alters the structure of the membrane raft, leading to protease activation on the membrane. This ultimately results in proteolytic cleavage of cell surface proteins and necrosis of the cell. Most cases are medically insignificant, but in some cases, from 2 to 8 hours after a bite, there may be penetrating pain followed by a burning sensation. Areas adjacent to the bite often become red and painful due to vasospasm and ischemia. A blister may form which often changes to a dark blue color with a sunken center days following the bite. In rare cases, hemolysis, intravascular coagulation, and thrombocytopenia can occur, leading to renal failure. Control and mitigation Controlling Loxoceles species populations within dwellings can be challenging as they prefer to dwell in small, dark crevices. This is exacerbated by their ability to survive without food and water for extended periods of time. There are no published control or mitigation efforts specifically directed to the Mediterranean recluse spider population, except for the mention of the need for further such efforts in a study conducted in Washington, DC. However, with the indistinguishable features between the brown recluse and Mediterranean recluse spiders, efforts to control the brown recluse spider may be translated into mitigating the Mediterranean recluse population. Many of these efforts may include regular pest control and vacuuming of dead insects, sanitizing, removal of spider