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Nursery web spider

Nursery web spider

Dolomedes minor

A species of Fishing spiders

The nursery web spider (Dolomedes minor) builds its thick, cotton-like webs into a nest-like structure to protect its young. The nests are usually built on low shrubs, and the females lay their eggs inside the structures. During the day, the adults are active, but at night the females always return to guard the nest.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Nursery web spider
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Attributes of Nursery web spider
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
from sea level up to subalpine area
Adult Food Sources
Insects, small fish, tadpoles, frogs, aquatic invertebrates
Larva Food Source
Small insects, aquatic larvae, springtails, insect eggs, juvenile spiders
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Nursery web 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
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Species Status of Nursery web spider
It can be found throughout New Zealand.
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Distribution Area of Nursery web spider
New Zealand
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Appearance of Nursery web spider
Dolomedes minor is pale brown with some being grayish. The female possess large chelicerae, which are located just below the eyes. The spider has a body length of about 1.8 cm. The females are almost twice the size of the males. They move very fast and possess a long leg-span: over 6 cm for a fully grown female.
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How to Identify Nursery web spider?

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Adult Size of Nursery web spider
1.8 cm
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Predators of Nursery web spider Larvae
Wasps, ants, birds, lizards, small mammals
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Scientific Classification of Nursery web spider
Tips for Finding Nursery web spider
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Youth Habitat of Nursery web spider
Freshwater Habitats, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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Adult Habitat of Nursery web spider
Freshwater Habitats, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Nursery web spider
Insects or small aquatic animals typical of the creature's diet.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Nursery web spider
Nighttime or early morning when the creature is most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Nursery web spider
Calm, humid, and warm conditions which are preferable for nursery web spider's activity.
Are Nursery web spider harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Nursery web spider
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Toxic to Animals
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Bite Humans
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Toxic to Animals

Nursery web spider typically releases venom through its fangs when biting. The venom's intensity is generally mild, posing a greater threat to small animals and insects than to larger creatures. While a bite may cause localized discomfort and swelling in humans and dogs, it can be more dangerous for smaller mammals and various insects, potentially leading to more severe reactions or fatality. This difference in response is due to variations in body size and physiological reactions to the toxins.

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Bite Humans

Nursery web spider typically does not bite humans; such behavior is atypical. If threatened or provoked, nursery web spider may defensively bite as a last resort. Most encounters result in mild, non-venomous reactions. Bites occur due to accidental contact rather than aggression, and consequences are minor.

More Effects of Nursery web spider

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The Pisaurina dubia is identified with its cream coloring with two dark-brown lines leading down its body. Their eyes are all about the same size, which is common for nursery web spiders. Much like wolf spiders (Lycosidae), they are roaming hunters that seek their prey out. They can jump long distances, but have issues climbing glass.

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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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