Dark Fishing Spider
ExploreInvertebrate
Dark Fishing Spider
dolomedes tenebrosus
The Dark Fishing Spider is a fascinating creature that loves to hang out near water! It can even walk on the surface of the water to catch its food!
Habitat: Wetlands, ponds, and streams
Appearance
The Dark Fishing Spider is a large, hairy spider with a mottled brown and grey body. It has pale stripes along the sides of its cephalothorax and distinct dark bands on its long legs, making it blend well with its natural surroundings near water.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyPisauridaeGenusDolomedes
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
After hatching, spiderlings are guarded in a special 'nursery web' spun by their mother for a few weeks!
Female Dark Fishing Spiders carry their precious egg sac in their jaws until the spiderlings are ready to hatch!
Instead of webs, these spiders hunt their prey by ambushing them near or on the water's surface!
These fascinating spiders have eight eyes, but some of them glow brightly when a flashlight shines on them at night!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Skater
Dark Fishing Spiders can walk and run on water because of special hairs on their legs that repel water, helping them hunt.
Ability
Underwater Diver
Dark Fishing Spiders can dive and stay underwater for long periods, bringing an air bubble with them for breathing.
Ability
Vibration Hunter
Dark Fishing Spiders have super sensitive leg hairs that detect tiny vibrations on the water's surface, helping them find prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2 cm
- Leg Span
- 8 cm
- Weight
- 0.5 g
- Lifespan
- 2 years
Diet & Feeding
These awesome spiders eat a variety of insects and small aquatic animals found in or near water.
Primary Foods
- water striders
- dragonflies
- mosquitoes
- small fish
- tadpoles
- small frogs
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Mosquitofish
Gambusia affinis
Small fish caught from water surface.
hunts
Green Frog
Lithobates clamitans
Preys on tadpoles and small froglets.
eaten by
Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
Birds can spot and eat spiders near water.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Generalist predators consuming spiders.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Dark SpiderFishing SpiderWater Spider
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always observe spiders from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Dark Fishing Spider?
2 cm
How big is Dark Fishing Spider?
8 cm
How much does Dark Fishing Spider weigh?
0.5 g
How long does Dark Fishing Spider live?
2 years
What does Dark Fishing Spider eat?
These awesome spiders eat a variety of insects and small aquatic animals found in or near water.
Where is Dark Fishing Spider usually found?
Wetlands, ponds, and streams
How does Dark Fishing Spider hunt?
Ambush
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