Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2150926
Striped Fishing Spider
Dolomedes scriptusAlso known as Written Fishing Spider, Scripted Fishing Spider
Striped fishing spiders are large, semi-aquatic hunters frequently found resting on rocks, docks, and tree trunks along freshwater shores. Using surface tension to skate across calm water, they detect ripples from aquatic prey using sensitive vibrations sensed through hairs on their legs. Females carry their silk egg sacs in their jaws before constructing a protective nursery web among streamside vegetation to guard emerging spiderlings.
Semi-aquaticAquatic HunterCamouflage
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic insects
- Small fish
- Tadpoles
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Large frogs
- Spider wasps
ThreatsHabitat loss, water pollution, pesticide runoff
HabitatsStreams, pond margins, lake shores, wetlands, forested banks
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPisauridae
- SpeciesDolomedes scriptus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a painful defensive bite if handled; observe closely without touching.
- Why it is dangerous
- Delivers a sharp defensive bite similar to a wasp sting when crushed, cornered, or accidentally handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by dark W-shaped markings on the abdomen and pale stripes running down the sides of the body.
- What to do
- Observe quietly from a short distance and avoid reaching under docks or logs where they hide.
Responsible observation
- Night Viewing: Shine a flashlight along wooden docks at night to spot their reflective eyes.
- Safe Distance: Keep hands clear of dark crevices under boat docks where spiders rest.
- Approach Gently: Walk softly along stream banks to avoid sending vibrations through the shore.
Close Relative (c) Meghan Cassidy, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Meghan Cassidy · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Benny Mazur, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) Meghan Cassidy, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Meghan Cassidy · cc-by-sa
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