CLOSED: unknown spider, slightly bigger than a quarter

plant_it Valparaiso, IN May 12, 2011

I am petrified of spiders. Nonetheless, for any spider fans out there, you'll be happy to know I scooped this monster up in a cup and set it free in the woods.

Can anyone ID it?

Post #8559172

Quote

LadyAshleyR Oakland, MD May 13, 2011

Dolomedes tenebrosus maybe?
Fishing spider. =)

Here's another:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/499501

Both have that marking on their butt that kinda looks like a Metroid lol.

This message was edited May 13, 2011 5:49 AM

Post #8559582

Quote

plant_it Valparaiso, IN May 13, 2011

Thank you so much, LadyAshley!

Since your post I've been researching these buggers and found out, "North American pisaurids are all wandering spiders, stalking their prey rather than snaring it in webs. The members of the genus Dolomedes are the �fishing spiders.� Unlike wolf spiders, which they resemble in their giant size, they typically live near water. They run freely over water in pursuit of prey, including small fish (Barbour 1921) and aquatic insects. When frightened, they may dive beneath the surface. " - http://www.uark.edu/ua/arthmuse/dolomede.html

Also found out, at least in one report, the female terminated copulation by killing the male. Yikes!