×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Fishing Spider (Dolomedes spp.)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Fishing Spider


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/10
Image Credit: Thais G. taken in Monhegan, ME
Full-sized image of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image of the Fishing-Spider
2/10
Image Credit: Alex -icycatelf- Bowen
Full-sized image #2 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #2 of the Fishing-Spider
3/10
Image Credit: Bob K. taken in Black Lake, NY
Full-sized image #3 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #3 of the Fishing-Spider
4/10
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image #4 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #4 of the Fishing-Spider
5/10
Image Credit: Michael C. Dodson, from Texarkana, TX
Full-sized image #5 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #5 of the Fishing-Spider
6/10
Image Credit: Jeanne C.
Full-sized image #6 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #6 of the Fishing-Spider
7/10
Image Credit: Phil J. from Newville, PA
Full-sized image #7 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #7 of the Fishing-Spider
8/10
Image Credit: Steven K., taken in California, MD
Full-sized image #8 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #8 of the Fishing-Spider
9/10
Image Credit: Eric
Full-sized image #9 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #9 of the Fishing-Spider
10/10
Image Credit: Joe F. from Spartanburg County, SC
Full-sized image #10 of the Fishing-Spider Thumbnail image #10 of the Fishing-Spider

The Fishing Spider is commonly found near bodies of water and, as any fisherman could tell you, it can grow to be 'this big'.



Updated: 06/29/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Fishing Spiders are typically found near bodies of water. They may also venture into nearby woods for terrestrial hunting. Fishing Spiders are large and look menacing. Their leg span can stretch to more than 75mm (3 inches), making some slightly bigger than the palm of an adult hand. Like nearly every spider in North America, it can bite and deliver venom, but its venom is not considered dangerous unless you happen to be specifically allergic to it.

As members of the Nursery-Web family, females will lay their eggs on a silken mat and then wrap them up into a small ball. She will then carry the egg sac in her jaws as she looks for a good place for them to hatch. She will build a web and attach her egg sac to it, then stand guard until the spiderlings emerge. Hundreds of spiderlings can hatch at once and they eventually disperse from the nursery on their own silken threads.

Fishing Spiders get their name from their hunting behavior and occasional food source. They are adept at ambushing insects and other food items on land, but they are also able to submerge their bodies just under the surface of calm water and hunt for small fish and tadpoles. The bristly hairs on their body trap air bubbles that they use to breathe while underwater and waiting for something to swim by. They have been known to stay submerged for more than 30 minutes at a time when hunting in water. They are also able to eat insects skimming or treading on the water's surface above them.

They are active during the summer months. Look for Fishing Spiders on or near boat docks and marinas. They may also be seen near shorelines and the banks of rivers and creeks. Keep an eye on still water to see if any are quietly hunting.©InsectIdentification.org


Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect biting icon
Venomous insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Arachnida
      Order: Araneae
        Family: Pisauridae
View More
          Genus: Dolomedes
View More
            Species: spp.

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Dolomedes spp.
Category: Spider
Size (Adult; Length): 7mm to 26mm (0.27" to 1.02")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; tan; gray
Descriptors: large; huge; biting; venomous; chevrons; zigzags; water; long legs spread out


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 7mm (0.3in) and 26mm (1.0in)
Lo: 7mm
Md: 16.5mm
Hi: 26mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Fishing Spider may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Fishing Spider. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)