General Information

• Venomous: Although they are venomous, they are not dangerous to humans.
• Location: All continents except Antarctica.
• Legs: Eight.
• Size: 0.27 to 1.01 inches.
• Color: Brown, tan, or gray.

If you’ve noticed spiders lying at the edge of a stream or pond or running across the water, chances are that they’re fishing spiders. These spiders can be found all over North America, especially near warm, oxygen-depleted bodies of water. Read this article to find out more about fishing spiders and whether they’re a threat to you and your family.

What Are Fishing Spiders?

Fishing spiders, or Dolomedes, are large hunting spiders that form part of the family Pisauridae, which are commonly known as nursery web spiders. Other names for fishing spiders include dock spiders, raft spiders, or wharf spiders, as they are often found in proximity to water or on boats. The name “fishing spider” refers to the fact that these spiders sometimes prey on small fish. In North America, for instance, fishing spiders have been observed catching and eating goldfish.

With the exception of a few species, such as D.albineus, which is a tree-dwelling species that live in the southeastern parts of the United States, like Greensboro, North Carolina, most fishing spiders are semiaquatic. Of the over 100 species of fishing spiders throughout the world, nine species exist in North America, including the six-spotted fishing spider, the dark fishing spider, and the striped fishing spider.

What Do Fishing Spiders Look Like?

Most species are large, with some females growing up to an inch long and with a leg span of up to 3.1 inches. As with many other spiders, female fishing spiders are larger than males. Fishing spiders have flattened bodies and long legs and are covered in short, velvety hairs. These hairs are resistant to water, which makes it possible for the spider to stand and run on water. They also have multiple vibration-sensing orders, such as sensitive hairs on their legs and feet, which they use to detect prey in the water.

The markings and colors of the fishing spider vary from species to species and often correlate with their environment. For instance, fishing spiders that tend to sit on rocks, such as the dark fishing spider, are a motley gray or brown.

In contrast, the six-spotted fishing spider, which is found in wetland habitats, has a pale cream stripe that runs down each side of the head and abdomen. Although the fishing spider is often confused with the wolf spider, they can be distinguished by their eyes. The fishing spider has two rows of four eyes each, with both rows curving slightly upward.

Common Habits of the Fishing Spider

Fishing spiders are non-webbing spiders, which means they don’t use webs to catch their prey. Instead, they wait at the edge of a stream, river, or pond, with their front two pairs of legs resting on the water. As soon as they detect ripples, they run across the water’s surface to the location of their prey and secure it with their foremost legs, which have small claws. They then kill the prey with venom from their jaws.

Although the fishing spider mostly eats insects, they can catch prey that’s up to five times their size, such as fish and frogs. This makes them one of the few genera of spiders that feed on vertebrate species. Their main enemies are birds, so these spiders hunt at night when birds are sleeping. However, they can also fall prey to snakes, dragonflies, and certain types of wasps.

Apart from running on water, the fishing spider can also dive beneath the water’s surface to catch prey or escape potential predators. Their body hairs are able to trap air, which forms a silvery film all over the surface of the body. This allows them to breathe while submerged. The few species that live away from the water, such as the dark fishing spider, run toward their prey on land and catch and kill it in the same manner as the semiaquatic species.

Are Fishing Spiders a Threat to Humans?

Although the size and appearance of the fishing spider may be alarming for some people, these spiders are generally harmless. They are shy and will quickly run away when they come in contact with humans. However, they can bite when they become trapped in clothing or if you accidentally sit or step on one. A bite from the fishing spider is typically no more severe than a bee or wasp sting, except in cases where people are sensitive or allergic to their venom.

In general, it’s beneficial to have spiders, including the fishing spider, around your home. They are excellent for pest control because they feed on flies, moths, fleas, cockroaches, and various other insects and pests. You may have fishing spiders near or in your home if you have a pool or live nearby a stream or pond. Species such as the dark fishing spider, which often lives in drier wooded areas, can be found under stones or mulch in gardens and also inside homes.

How to Control Fishing Spiders Around the Home

If you don’t like the presence of fishing spiders in your garden or home, the best way to get rid of them is to limit their natural habitat and food sources. You should remove debris from your garden, such as loose bark or woodpiles, and limit the amount of standing water on the property.

To prevent them from coming into your home, ensure that you close off any gaps or cracks where they could enter. Also, regularly wipe and sweep surfaces and keep the house clean and free from insects to limit their food source. Instead of killing these spiders, try to scoop them up in a jar and release them outside.

Although these spiders are harmless and assist in pest control, you should consider calling a pest control service if you suspect you have an infestation. It’s also advisable to ask professionals for assistance if you’re not exactly sure what type of spider you’re dealing with. A professional pest control company will effectively deal with an infestation and provide you with valuable advice.