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

Submitted Pics - Crab Spiders

The following, are pictures of Crab Spiders that have been submitted to me by others living in Michigan. In doing this, I am able to show pictures of spiders in Michigan that I myself have not seen, as well as more pics of those I have posted officially as being in Michigan.

Please understand that the Crab Spiders in this section may or may not be indigenous to Michigan. I would hope that others would be honest and actually send pics of the Crab Spiders they have actually found in Michigan, but I cannot make any guarantees.

I would also like to thank all of those listed below for their kindness in sending me these pics. If by any chance, you have sent me one of the following pics and you do not wish me to use it, or if any information is wrong, please email me and let me know.

Crab Spiders ....


Jenilee - Central Lake, Mi.

Argiopes

Though I have not seen them personally, I feel confident that I have confirmed these to actually be living in Michigan. So far, I have identified two different species of the Argiope to live in Michigan. The Banded Argiope, and the Black and Yellow Argiope. As I find others, I will add them.

Banded Argiope

Black and Yellow Argiope

Abdomen - Large (more than double the cephalothorax) and oblong shaped. Usually black with white and yellow patterns. The pattern for the Banded Argiope has multiple stripes running across the abdomen. Males have a much more nondescript abdomen and the entire spider has more of a shiny fuzzy brownish look to it.

Cephalothorax - White (or light Gray) and slightly dull and fuzzy looking.

Female Size - Full grown they are typically around 1 Inch

Male Size - Much smaller than the female, these are typically only 1/4 inches.

Bite Info - The venom of the Argiope is not considered dangerous to humans.

Other Notes - The Argiopes are Orb Weavers and will spin webs in a circular pattern that is supported in a vertical manner to catch flying insects. Unlike most other Orb Weavers, the Argiope's web will usually have a long and thick zigzag pattern in the center.

Another name for them is the Saint Andrews Cross for the way they pair their legs up and stretch them out together to create a cross look.

Genus - Argiope aurantia (Black and Yellow Argiope) / Argiope trifasciata (Banded Argiope)

Submitted Pics - Black and Yellow Argiope

The following, are pictures of Black & Yellow Argiopes that have been submitted to me by others living in Michigan. In doing this, I am able to show pictures of spiders in Michigan that I myself have not seen, as well as more pics of those I have posted officially as being in Michigan.

Please understand that the Black & Yellow Argiope Spiders in this section may or may not be indigenous to Michigan. I would hope that others would be honest and actually send pics of the Black & Yellow Argiopes they have actually found in Michigan, but I cannot make any guarantees.

I would also like to thank all of those listed below for their kindness in sending me these pics. If by any chance, you have sent me one of the following pics and you do not wish me to use it, or if any information is wrong, please email me and let me know.


BLACK & YELLOW ARGIOPES....

Thomas - Watervliet, Mi.


Jason - Richfield Twp, Mi.



Bonnie - Bay City, Mi.



Chris - Ionia, Mi.



Heather - Plainwell, Mi.