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Water spider

Water spider

Dolomedes aquaticus

A species of Fishing spiders

This intriguing species is known for its semi-aquatic lifestyle, often observed skimming gracefully across water surfaces in search of prey. Its uniquely adapted legs allow for buoyancy and propulsion, creating ripples barely visible to the naked eye. These arachnids exhibit a remarkable hunting method, relying on subtle water vibrations to detect and swiftly capture aquatic insects, small fish, and even tadpoles with astonishing precision.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Water spider
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Attributes of Water spider
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Water spider can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Predators of Water spider Larvae
Amphibians, insectivorous birds, larger arachnids, reptiles
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Predators of Adult Water spider
Birds of prey, larger spiders, mammalian predators, reptiles
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Scientific Classification of Water spider
Tips for Finding Water spider
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Youth Habitat of Water spider
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Water spider
Freshwater Habitats
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Water spider
Mild, calm weather is most suitable for spotting water spider since they prefer still waters for hunting and less windy conditions for weaving webs.
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How and Where Can You Find Water spider at Different Life Stages
Juvenile Water spider spiderlings can typically be found near the water's edge under debris or vegetation. Search by carefully lifting and inspecting fallen leaves or branches.
Water spider sub-adults are larger and may start exploring areas slightly away from the water. Look for them on plants or rocks close to streams or ponds.
Adult Adult water spider can be spotted near or on the water surface. They are good swimmers and sometimes rest on water, camouflaged. A quiet approach to the banks of still waters can lead to an observation.
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Harmful Effects of Water spider
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Toxic to Animals
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Bite Humans
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Toxic to Animals

The toxin of water spider is typically delivered to its victims through a bite, using its fangs as a mechanism to inject venom. Generally, the venom’s potency is mild and does not lead to severe consequences for most larger animals such as humans, dogs, or cats. However, smaller creatures like birds, lizards, and various insects may experience greater discomfort or more serious effects. The intensity and impact of the toxin can vary across different animal groups, with some exhibiting minimal reactions while others may be more significantly affected. Adult water spider possess the ability to envenomate, and use this primarily to subdue prey or deter predators.

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Bite Humans

Water spider, a semi-aquatic species, does not typically display biting behavior towards humans. When bites occur, they are primarily defensive, usually as a result of inadvertent human provocation. Though unnecessary, their biting method involves a quick, mild puncture using fangs. Consequences are typically insignificant, causing minor irritation or discomfort rather than severe harm.

More Effects of Water spider

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More Insects that are Similar to Water spider
Common white-flanked water spider
Common white-flanked water spider

Distinctive for its semi-aquatic lifestyle, common white-flanked water spider exhibits a remarkable adaptation to life both in and out of water. While the adults are consummate hunters on land, skillfully capturing prey with their agile movements, the juveniles take refuge in the water, displaying surprising dexterity in this unusual habitat. Their diet is predominantly carnivorous, ranging from aquatic insects to small land invertebrates.

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The nursery web spider (Pisaura mirabilis) is not something you would expect in a nursery rhyme. Instead, it earns its name from the web it spins to hold its young. It is identified by having long legs and a slender abdomen, with one pair of the legs being longer than the rest. It is one of the few spiders that offers a nuptial gift, which females bite into when beginning to mate.

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The dark Fishing Spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) can hold air on the small hairs of its body so that it can breathe underwater and catch tadpoles. If approached near the water, they tend to dart under the surface and run away. Much like the wolf spider (Lycosidae), it does not use webbing to hunt. Instead, it uses webbing as a nursery for their young.

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The white-banded fishing spider (Dolomedes vittatus) can be identified with a combination of white bands and dark spots located on its body. You can often see it walking on water with a safety line back to dry line when huntings its prey. They are part of a group known as nursery web spiders, meaning they have a web sac inside of a tent for their young.

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Raft spider
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Striped fishing spider
Striped fishing spider

Adorned with a pattern of stripes along its body, striped fishing spider is an adept semi-aquatic predator, often found skimming the surfaces of freshwater habitats. Remarkably, it possesses the ability to detect and capture prey not just above water, but also beneath the surface, due to its specialized hairs that sense vibrations, enabling it to snag insects, small fish, and amphibians. As part of its life cycle, offspring are carried on the mother's back after hatching, showcasing a unique aspect of its reproductive behavior.

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