I reacted quickly and grabbed the swatter, upon seeing this large spider in my kitchen this morning, which is why it looks so mangled. It was 3" toe to toe - body is about 3/4") . Second photo taken after flipping it over. Location: Ottawa Valley, Canada. Dangerous? I've seen the same type on my marguerites.
Looks like a female fishing spider in genus Dolomedes that was carrying her egg case - http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?94331-Dolomedes-egg-sac
Not dangerous.
Thanks for your help. When you don't know about these things they always look dangerous. Normally, I let them be if they stay in the basement/garden.
