Dark Fishing Spider
Dolomedes tenebrosus
What it is
Dolomedes tenebrosus or dark fishing spider is a fishing spider found in the USA and Canada.
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- Found near ponds, lakes, streams, and wet areas across much of the eastern and central United States.
- How to find it
- Look for them on leaves or rocks by the water's edge, or even resting on the surface film of the water. They are quite large!
- Best time of day
- Daytime; warmer months.
How it lives
- What it eats
- Aquatic insects, small fish, tadpoles, other spiders.
- What eats it
- Birds, fish, frogs, larger insects.
Worth knowing
- They do not build webs to catch food, but use their silk to create egg sacs.
- Dark fishing spiders can dive underwater and stay submerged for a while.
- They can feel vibrations on the water's surface to find prey.
- Their legs are covered in tiny hairs that repel water, helping them walk on the surface.
- Female fishing spiders carry their large, round egg sac with them until the spiderlings hatch.
- Despite their size, they are not dangerous to humans.
Why it matters
Dark fishing spiders help control insect populations near water, including mosquitoes. They are also food for larger aquatic animals.