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Fishing Spider

Dolomedes Tenebrosus
Picture taken by: Laurel - Green Oaks Twp, Mi.


 Abdomen - Oblong and slightly longer than the cephalothorax. Usually in patterns of browns and black. They often have chevron markings but some are so chaotic looking it is hard to see the shapes.

Cephalothorax - Approximately two thirds the size of the abdomen. Usually in patterns of black and brown in color.

Size
- Some sites will state the females grow to around 75mm or 3" (including legs), but I have gotten reports and found wikipedia says as large as 100mm or about 4".

Bite Info - The Fishing spider is not considered aggressive, but may bite in defense of itself or of its eggs. They sometimes will carry their eggs underneath them. The venom is not dangerous to humans. With some of the larger species, it can cause some localized pain and swelling but there should be no lasting effects.

Other Notes - When the Fishing Spider lays eggs, it wraps them in a sac and carries it underneath them. Before they hatch it will tend to attach it to something and protect it.

Genus - Dolomedes Tenebrosus