I have waited a long time to bring out these pictures.
The six-spotted fishing spider (
Dolomedes triton) is a large semi-aquatic spider that sits out on floating vegetation, often far from shore according to reports, and from these rafts they hunt insects and even small fish. The first picture was shown here a few years ago, and its records one of my first encounters with these spiders. You can see how they can make a lasting impression.
Six-spotted fishing spider by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Ever since then I had it in the back of my mind to one day catch a fishing spider, bring it home, and document some of their special behaviors in staged settings. And so begins a series of posts about the results.
The spider that came home is introduced in the next pictures. While she was here, she was kept in an aquarium with a few inches of water and lily pads. The first picture was photographed through glass.
Six-spotted fishing spider by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Six-spotted fishing spider by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Six-spotted fishing spider by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
When frightened, fishing spiders will quickly dash away and duck into the water. It seemed likely that the fine pile of hairs that cover their body would support a layer of air around them while under water. Here she is under water, and yes a thin film of air covers her body.
Fishing spider under water! by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Finally, the aquarium had a glass bottom and so I could lie underneath it and photograph from below. To help with the orientation of the last picture, you are looking
up at the spider through the bottom of the aquarium and the spider is meanwhile
under water. The air around her body makes her buoyant so she floats upside down under the lily pad. After a few minutes she popped back to the surface; barely wetted by her plunge.
Fishing spider under water! by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
And then there are minnows also seen in this picture. Fishing spiders do hunt them, you know, and that is something to see next week. Stay tuned! Stay safe!
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictures.
The six-spotted fishing spider (
Dolomedes triton) is a large semi-aquatic spider that sits out on floating vegetation, often far from shore according to reports, and from these rafts they hunt insects and even small fish. The first picture was shown here a few years ago, and its records one of my first encounters with these spiders. You can see how they can make a lasting impression.
Six-spotted fishing spider by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Ever since then I had it in the back of my mind to one day catch a fishing spider, bring it home, and document some of their special behaviors in staged settings. And so begins a series of posts about the results.
The spider that came home is introduced in the next pictures. While she was here, she was kept in an aquarium with a few inches of water and lily pads. The first picture was photographed through glass.
Six-spotted fishing spider by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Six-spotted fishing spider by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Six-spotted fishing spider by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
When frightened, fishing spiders will quickly dash away and duck into the water. It seemed likely that the fine pile of hairs that cover their body would support a layer of air around them while under water. Here she is under water, and yes a thin film of air covers her body.
Fishing spider under water! by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Finally, the aquarium had a glass bottom and so I could lie underneath it and photograph from below. To help with the orientation of the last picture, you are looking
up at the spider through the bottom of the aquarium and the spider is meanwhile
under water. The air around her body makes her buoyant so she floats upside down under the lily pad. After a few minutes she popped back to the surface; barely wetted by her plunge.
Fishing spider under water! by
Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
And then there are minnows also seen in this picture. Fishing spiders do hunt them, you know, and that is something to see next week. Stay tuned! Stay safe!
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictu... (
show quote)
Mark, very good article and photos. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for more.
nice series! i was looking for one yesterday,in the spot i found them last year.no luck
Excellent images and thanks for the narrative.
Brilliant recording Mark and talented photography. What a handsome spider!
great documentation and love the last one with the photo-bombing fish.........
Incredible work, Mark. Good narrative, as well.
--Bob
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictures.
The six-spotted fishing spider (Dolomedes triton) is a large semi-aquatic spider that sits out on floating vegetation, often far from shore according to reports, and from these rafts they hunt insects and even small fish. The first picture was shown here a few years ago, and its records one of my first encounters with these spiders. You can see how they can make a lasting impression.
Ever since then I had it in the back of my mind to one day catch a fishing spider, bring it home, and document some of their special behaviors in staged settings. And so begins a series of posts about the results.
The spider that came home is introduced in the next pictures. While she was here, she was kept in an aquarium with a few inches of water and lily pads. The first picture was photographed through glass.
When frightened, fishing spiders will quickly dash away and duck into the water. It seemed likely that the fine pile of hairs that cover their body would support a layer of air around them while under water. Here she is under water, and yes a thin film of air covers her body.
Finally, the aquarium had a glass bottom and so I could lie underneath it and photograph from below. To help with the orientation of the last picture, you are looking up at the spider through the bottom of the aquarium and the spider is meanwhile under water. The air around her body makes her buoyant so she floats upside down under the lily pad. After a few minutes she popped back to the surface; barely wetted by her plunge.
And then there are minnows also seen in this picture. Fishing spiders do hunt them, you know, and that is something to see next week. Stay tuned! Stay safe!
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictu... (
show quote)
True master-class work..!
A great set Mark. Did you have to show that poor Pondhawk?
-Doc
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.