How Long Do Fishing Spiders Live: Unveiling the Lifespan of These Aquatic Arachnids

Fishing spiders are fascinating creatures, belonging to the genus Dolomedes. These spiders are often found near water sources, and they possess a unique ability to catch aquatic insects, tadpoles, and even small fish by walking on the surface of the water. A common question regarding these intriguing arachnids is about their lifespan.

Determining the exact lifespan of fishing spiders can be challenging, as it varies depending on factors such as their environment and prey availability. However, it is important to learn about these creatures, as understanding their natural life cycle can contribute to their conservation and help maintain a healthy ecosystem around them. So let’s dive in and explore the world of fishing spiders!

Fishing Spiders Overview

Fishing spiders belong to the family Pisauridae and the genus Dolomedes. These spiders are often found near water and have unique hunting abilities. Some key features of fishing spiders include:

• Belonging to the family: Pisauridae
• Belonging to the genus: Dolomedes
• Living near aquatic environments
• Hunting small fish and aquatic insects

Fishing spiders are known for their ability to walk on the surface of water. They catch their prey, such as small fish or aquatic insects, by tapping the water’s surface with their legs to create vibrations. This lures the prey closer, allowing the spider to catch them quickly.

One interesting example of a fishing spider is the spotted fishing spider (Dolomedes triton). This species lives in aquatic habitats and has a distinctive appearance, with a smaller oval abdomen compared to its broad cephalothorax.

Comparison of Fishing Spiders and Other Spiders:

Fishing spiders are similar to other arachnids in the taxonomic order, but their unique abilities make them stand out. These spiders exhibit fascinating behaviors and provide insights into the diverse world of arachnids.

Physical Characteristics

Appearance

Fishing spiders are known for their distinctive appearance, with long legs and a unique abdomen shape. These spiders have good eyesight and are equipped with hydrophobic hairs that help them walk on water surfaces.

• Long legs
• Unique abdomen shape
• Good eyesight
• Hydrophobic hairs

Size

Fishing spiders are generally large, with some species like the white-banded fishing spider having a leg span of up to 3 inches. The six-spotted fishing spider is slightly smaller with a leg span of around 2 inches.

• White-banded fishing spider: up to 3 inches leg span
• Six-spotted fishing spider: around 2 inches leg span

Color

These spiders exhibit various colors and patterns. The white-banded fishing spider has dark-colored femora (the part of the leg closest to the body) and paler tibia (the part of the leg closest to the tip). The six-spotted fishing spider can be identified by its greenish-brown coloration with six black spots on its abdomen.

Comparison table:

Habitat and Distribution

North America

Fishing spiders can be found in various habitats across North America, specifically in the Eastern United States, Southern Canada, Maine, Florida, and Texas. In these regions, they live near:

• Lakes
• Ponds
• Slow-moving streams

Some common places they inhabit include rocks and vegetation by the water’s edge¹.

Europe

In Europe, fishing spiders are distributed across the continent². Similar to their North American counterparts, they live near water bodies such as:

• Lakes
• Ponds
• Streams

European fishing spiders also prefer habitats with rocks and aquatic vegetation³.

Asia

Moving towards Asia, fishing spiders can be found in diverse countries and environments. Like in North America and Europe, they are found near water sources, including:

• Ponds
• Streams
• Swampy areas

They are typically found on rocks, plants, and other surfaces close to the water⁴.

New Zealand

Lastly, in New Zealand, fishing spiders are prevalent near water bodies. Their habitats include areas surrounding:

• Lakes
• Ponds
• Rivers

These spiders can be observed on rocks and plants near the water⁵.

Comparison of Fishing Spider Habitats

Behavior and Skills

Feeding and Hunting

Fishing spiders are generalist predators mainly catching aquatic insects and small fish. Some examples of their diet are:

• Insects such as mosquitos and dragonflies
• Small fish like minnows

These spiders have evolved the ability to walk on water, which allows them to hunt for prey near water sources.

Moreover, fishing spiders use their excellent vision to locate their prey. These spiders, like raft spiders, do not build webs to catch prey but rely on their hunting skills.

Mating and Reproduction

The mating process of fishing spiders involves males attracting females with their displays. After mating, females lay eggs and guard them until they hatch. The spiderlings are then left to fend for themselves.

Locomotion

Fishing spiders have long legs, which they use for:

• Walking on water
• Running quickly to catch prey

Their legs help them remain afloat in the aquatic ecosystem.

Hibernation

Fishing spiders typically hibernate during the winter months. This allows them to persist in their environments even when the temperatures drop and food sources are scarce.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Mating Rituals

Fishing spiders exhibit unique mating rituals. The male fishing spider approaches the female holding a small prey item in his mouth, offering it as a nuptial gift. The female eats the prey while they mate, preventing her from eating the male during the process¹.

Egg Laying and Nursery Webs

Female fishing spiders lay eggs in a silken sac:

• They spin silk around the eggs to form the protective sac
• The female carries the egg sac in her jaws, sometimes for days
• Before hatching, she constructs a nursery web²

Nursery webs are crucial for these spiders:

• Larger than typical webs, they protect the developing eggs
• Made from layers of thick, silk lines
• Covered by a sheet of silk to protect eggs from predators

Spiderlings

Once the eggs hatch, spiderlings make their home in the nursery web:

• They shed their skin once, usually inside the web³
• After the first molt, they leave the nursery to disperse and live independently
• Life expectancy for fishing spiders varies, but generally, they live for less than a year⁴

Interesting Facts

Venom and Bites

Fishing spiders, like other spiders, have venom which they use to immobilize their prey. However, the venom of fishing spiders is not considered dangerous for humans. Comparing with a bee sting, their bite is generally less painful.

For example, two common species of fishing spiders include Dolomedes tenebrosus and Dolomedes triton. Their bites may cause some discomfort, but nothing serious for most people.

Unique Hunting Abilities

Fishing spiders exhibit remarkable hunting skills, such as:

• Walking on water, similar to water striders
• Diving underwater, and staying submerged for up to 30 minutes to catch prey or avoid predators
• Waterproof bodies that resist water damage
• Feeding on a variety of aquatic creatures like tadpoles, small fish, mayflies, and even small frogs

In addition to water-dwelling creatures, fishing spiders are known to prey on wharf spiders, minnows, and even some small frogs.

Conservation Status

Fishing spiders are not currently listed as endangered or threatened species. However, their existence is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, as they help control populations of insects and other creatures. In some parts of the world, like New Zealand, fishing spiders are considered a major component of freshwater ecosystems.

The life cycle of fishing spiders typically involves egg-laying in spring, with the spiderlings emerging in summer. The spiders reach maturity within a year and live for at least two years in the wild. Their population numbers can fluctuate depending on environmental conditions and prey availability.