Fishing Spiders

a Dark Fishing Spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) (Etna, ME; 6/23/2022)
Dark Fishing Spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) (Etna, ME; 6/23/2022)

The Fishing Spider (genus Dolomedes) is Maine’s largest native spider. Females are considerably larger than the males and the one pictured at right is a female Dark Fishing Spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus), which was found in a house located in a heavily forested area. Other species in the Dolomedes genus are a bit less terrestrial and are usually found very near to–or sometimes literally walking on–bodies of water, and have been reported to prey upon small fish; hence the common name, ‘fishing spider.’ They are large enough to be capable of biting humans, but unless the individual who is bitten is unusually sensitive to spider venom, there is little cause for alarm and the bite is likened to that of a bee or wasp sting. Bites are very rare, as these spiders are also very shy and would rather flee than fight. They are very speedy, so fleeing is a successful strategy for them whenever they feel threatened.

Additional Information and Photos:

back to Spiders