Fauna
Arachnid

Striped Fishing Spider

Dolomedes scriptus

Also 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
Striped Fishing Spider reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAquatic 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
Classification
  1. FamilyPisauridae
  2. SpeciesDolomedes scriptus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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