CLOSED: Found this large spider in crofton, md

Topspincharlie Crofton, MD Jun 09, 2013

I found this large furry spider in our grill cabinet yesterday. It had been raining so I'm guessing he was seeking shelter. I have two under two and have come across a black widow in the past. Do I need to be worried about this guy?

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Jun 09, 2013

From what I can discern, it looks like a fishing spider...but kinda blends into the background. Check out this link for Common spiders in Maryland

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Habitat/WildAcres/waspiders.asp

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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jun 09, 2013

A fishing spider in the genus Dolomedes would seem the best bet; a wolf spider would be the only other likely candidate. Need to see its eyes...

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Jun 09, 2013

My first thought was wolf spider....but then the legs looked rather long for them, so thought the next best was fishing spider.

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Topspincharlie Crofton, MD Jun 09, 2013

Thank you all for the responses. It definitely matches all the descriptions I've been reading about the fishing spider, which has some very impressive behaviors. It doesn't look like it's overly dangerous, so I'll move him far away from the house and let him be on his way.

From one website:
Medical Importance

Although a large spider such as�D. tenebrosus�is able to bite humans, it is a shy spider that will run from people. Bites are typically no more severe than a bee or wasp sting. Exceptions do occur for individuals who are sensitive to spider venoms.

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Jun 09, 2013

It should be noted that that info pretty much applies to all the "non-venomous" spiders....most can bite and the bites can be painful even if not dangerous to one's well being.

Glad you got your ID.

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