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Fisher Spider?
Location: Adirondacks (NYS), swimming pool
June 27, 2011 7:30 am
Dear Bugman,
I live at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate NY, and have several of these 2-4” leggy, brown spiders floating on my swimming pool. I think I saw one in the office of my house a few weeks ago.
My online research tells me they are Fisher Spiders, and are harmless.
I am attaching several photos. I believe these are females carrying eggs on their abdomens.
Appreciate your input.
Signature: Best wishes, Lori

Wolf Spider and brood walk on water

Hi Lori,
You mistaking this Wolf Spider and her brood for a Fishing Spider is understandable, because they look similar.  The behavior of carrying the spiderling brood on the abdomen is a characteristic of Wolf Spiders and not Fishing Spiders.  Fishing Spiders are able to walk on water and dive beneath the surface to escape danger as well as to catch prey, however, they are not the only spiders that can walk on water.  Wolf Spiders are also able to walk on water because of the way the spider’s weight is distributed over 8 points because of the 8 legs.

Ugh!  I am not fond of any arachnids but strongly dislike Wolf Spiders … and sadly, I am in charge of the swimming pool!
Thanks for your note, Daniel ~
All the best,
Lori

Hi again Lori,
We feel we must lobby for the Wolf Spiders.  They are harmless, and they exhibit such strong maternal care for their young.  Surely they must have some features you can find redeeming.

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