Subject: Is this a fishing spider?
Location: Plains GA, Southwest GA
July 28, 2012 1:01 pm
I was cleaning out a tool shed and this little spider came running out from under some car ramps I picked up. Gave me quit the startle as s/he is very fast. It can also jump somewhere between 1 to 2 feet from what I witnessed. It was about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. Could you confirm this is fishing spider? If so, what do they eat and such?
Signature: Thanks, Anthony
Hi Anthony,
While we find all Fishing Spiders beautiful, the White Banded Fishing Spider, Dolomedes albineus, like the individual in your photograph, is the one we personally find the most beautiful. Fishing Spiders will eat insects, other spiders and small vertebrates if they can catch them. Those species that are found close to water are capable of catching small fish, tadpoles and other aquatic creatures. The White Banded Fishing Spider is not one of the species that is typically found close to water. BugGuide provides very little specific information on the White Banded Fishing Spider.